The president of Kenya Hon William Samoe Ruto has been hit hard hours after commenting on the ongoing war in Israel and Palestine.
In his remarks yesterday, Mr Ruto to had released a statement saying that “Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemns terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country.
“The people of Kenya and their government hereby express deepest sympathy and send condolences to the families of all victims. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Kenya strongly maintains that there exists no justification whatsoever for terrorism, which constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security. All acts of terrorism and violent extremism are abhorrent, criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of the perpetrator, or their motivations.
“The international community must mobilise to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, sponsors, supporters and enablers of these reprehensible criminal acts of terrorism to account and speedily bring them to justice.
“In consideration of the complex and delicate context of the security situation in Israel-Palestine, Kenya also makes a call for the de-escalation of violence and urges all parties to restrain from further military action, given its potential to intensify carnage and the suffering of innocent civilians, and to trigger heightened tension in the region and beyond.
“We are profoundly disturbed that civilians continue to be intentionally targeted in this conflict, as a consequence of which the number of casualties continues to rise. We therefore call on all parties to respect the rights of civilians and honour their obligations under international law.” Said Ruto.
Adding: “Finally, we take this opportunity to reiterate our firm stand in solidarity with all those calling on the parties to desist from further attacks, promptly effect cease-fire and embark on a path towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
Africa Union Stands contradict Ruto.
In releasing his Solidarity with Israel” statement, Mr William Ruto seemed to haven’t realized that there is an African common position on the Isreal-Palestine issue, which is informed by Africa’s experience and history under colonial rule.
His critics now say President Ruto has made Kenya look like a puppet of the West while advising that the least he could do is remain non-aligned.
Here is the statement from the African Union on the matter.
7 October 2023, Addis Ababa: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expresses his utmost concern at the outbreak of the current Israeli-Palestinian hostilities, causing grave consequences for the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians in particular, and for peace in the region, in general.
The Chairperson wishes to recall that denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension.
The Chairperson urgently appeals to both parties to put an end to military hostilities and to return, without conditions, to the negotiating table to implement the principle of two States living side by side, to safeguard the interests of the Palestinian people and the lsraeli people.
The Chairperson further calls on the international community, and the major world powers in particular, to as-their responsibilities to impose peace and guarantee the rights of the two peoples.
