NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes targeting several Middle East nations, warning that the widening conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security.
In a statement issued Monday, March 2, Ruto criticized attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain amid escalating hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
“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,” Ruto said.
“It is evident that the regionalization of this conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security.”
The President stressed that multilateral institutions remain critical in resolving the crisis, calling for urgent diplomatic engagement.
“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 said. “Kenya calls for urgent multi-stakeholder engagement towards de-escalation.”
The remarks follow coordinated U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran that resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has since launched ballistic missile and drone strikes against U.S. allies across the Gulf region.
More than 200 people have reportedly been killed and over 700 injured in the escalating conflict, according to regional authorities.
Kenya’s response reflects its long-standing foreign policy position anchored in multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution under the United Nations Charter. Nairobi has often advocated for diplomatic engagement and adherence to international law in global conflicts.
Meanwhile, the State Department for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging Kenyans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance.
In a statement dated February 28, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said the government is closely monitoring the evolving security situation.
“The Government of Kenya is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East,” Njogu said. “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.”
She advised Kenyans in affected countries to register with the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate to facilitate assistance if necessary.
The Middle East hosts thousands of Kenyan workers, particularly in Gulf states such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Any prolonged instability could have implications for diaspora welfare, remittances, and broader economic ties.
