Ruto’s Urgent Call for Peace Echoes Across Kenya as Middle East Tensions Spike
President William Ruto has voiced strong concerns over the escalating Middle East crisis triggered by U.S.-Israel strikes, urging de-escalation to safeguard global stability and Kenyan interests.
Iran’s retaliatory strikes hit UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states after U.S.-Israel actions, raising fears of broader war. This report highlights the immediate risks to over 400,000 Kenyans in the region, many in vital Gulf jobs.
In astatement on March 2, Ruto strongly condemned the recent strikes on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“Kenya strongly condemns the strikes on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain in the evolving conflict in the Middle East,” he stated.
Ruto condemned the attacks outright, calling them threats to peace while pushing UN and AU diplomacy.
“It is evident that the regionalisation of this conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security. At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East,” he explained.
With diaspora remittances fueling the economy, Nairobi issued urgent advisories for citizens to stay vigilant amid supply chain disruptions. This coverage ties this to local impacts like fuel prices and trade, mirroring past Gaza warnings.
“We urge all Kenyan citizens residing in, or planning to travel to, the region to exercise heightened vigilance. The situation remains fluid and may change without notice,” read the statement in part.
Ruto condemned the attacks outright, calling them threats to peace while pushing UN and AU diplomacy.
“It is evident that the regionalization of this conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security. At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East,” he explained
According to Kenya’s MFA, Kenyans residing in or travelling to the Middle East have been urged to register immediately with the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate and update their contact details, next of kin and emergency information.
“Update your contact details, next of kin, and emergency contacts without delay. Link: https://platform.diaspora.go.ke/api/users/register,” the ministry stated.
Ruto reaffirmed balanced ties with Israel and Arab states, consistent with Kenya’s two-state advocacy.
The government has provided access to a 24-hour Diaspora Emergency Hotline, a WhatsApp number and an official consular email for urgent assistance.
The emergency hotlines include: https://diaspora.go.ke/missions
Call the 24-Hour Diaspora Emergency Hotline: +254 207 876 000
WhatsApp: +254 114 757 002
Email: consular@diaspora.go.ke
Broader stories note African solidarity, with Rwanda joining condemnations, as protests and advisories spread. Economic fallout could hit East Africa hard, from oil imports to migrant welfare.
Ruto’s stance positions Kenya as a diplomatic voice, monitoring for humanitarian aid and evacuations if needed.