NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has voted in favour of a major United Nations resolution calling for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, aligning itself with countries pushing for diplomatic pressure to end the war, even as the United States and several African nations abstained.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday by the United Nations General Assembly with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions, underscoring deep global divisions over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Kenya joined a smaller group of African states that supported the motion. Countries that voted against it included Burundi, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, Niger and Sudan. A majority of African nations — among them South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Algeria, and Angola — abstained.
The draft resolution, presented by Ukraine and co-sponsored by 46 countries, expressed deep concern over continued attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and energy facilities. It reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, including its territorial waters.
It further called for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, the comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war and the release of all unlawfully detained persons. The resolution also demanded the return of civilians forcibly transferred or deported, including children, describing such steps as critical confidence-building measures toward meaningful peace negotiations.
Kenya’s vote comes at a delicate diplomatic moment. The government has faced mounting domestic scrutiny following reports that Kenyan nationals have been recruited into the conflict, with some allegedly fighting on the frontlines.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is scheduled to visit Moscow in March as part of efforts to address concerns over Kenyan citizens involved in the war. The trip is expected to focus on stemming recruitment networks and clarifying the status of Kenyans reportedly caught up in the conflict.
According to intelligence reports tabled in Parliament by the National Intelligence Service, more than 1,000 Kenyans may have been lured into fighting roles. Of those, about 89 are believed to be on the front line, 39 have reportedly been hospitalised with war-related injuries, while 28 are listed as missing in action.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has also held meetings in Nairobi with ambassadors from Russia and Ukraine as part of diplomatic engagement efforts.
Kenya has previously maintained a principled stance at the United Nations on the war, consistently affirming the sanctity of territorial integrity under international law — a position rooted in its own post-colonial border framework and commitment to the UN Charter.
However, Nairobi’s decision to back the latest resolution while preparing for high-level talks with Moscow highlights the delicate balance it must strike between defending international norms and safeguarding national interests, including the welfare of its citizens abroad.
As the war drags into another year with heavy humanitarian and geopolitical consequences, Kenya’s vote signals continued support for multilateral diplomacy even as global consensus remains fractured.
