Kenya has denied claims that it has thrown its weight behind United Arab Emirates diplomat Lana Nusseibeh in the race for the position of United Nations(UN) Secretary-General.
In a statement issued Tuesday, October 27, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary(PS) Korir Sing’oei said the government had not endorsed any candidate.
He added that Kenya was closely monitoring the ongoing campaigns, including expressions of interest from new candidates.
“Quite the contrary, Kenya has not expressed support for any candidate at this point. We are following keenly the ongoing campaigns for UNSG, including the expression of interest by new candidates,” he said.
Kenya Clarifies Position on UN Secretary-General Candidates After Ruto Meeting
Sing’oei expressed confidence that a candidate capable of leading the UN at what he described as a critical juncture would receive Kenya’s support, alongside that of the majority of UN member states.
The clarification followed claims that Kenya had backed the UAE candidate days after President William Ruto met with Abu Dhabi’s top diplomat in Nairobi.
The claims also came amid questions surrounding an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had welcomed Nusseibeh’s candidacy on behalf of Kenya.
He cited her diplomatic experience and said Kenya was willing to strengthen relations between the United Nations and Africa.
“Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr Musalia Mudavadi has, on behalf of Kenya, welcomed Lana Nusseibeh’s candidature for Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN),” the Ministry said.
“Dr Mudavadi said her extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and service within the UN system would serve the Organisation well. Kenya looks forward to working with her to strengthen the partnership with the United Nations and Africa.”
The remarks raised questions about whether Kenya had already settled on its preferred candidate, prompting a response on the government’s position on the contest.
Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, gaining more than a decade of experience in multilateral diplomacy.
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Uganda Joins Race
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Veteran diplomat and former United Nations official, Ambassador Olara Otunnu, is also seeking the position.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 26, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had submitted Otunnu’s candidature for the top UN post
The Uganda government described Otunnu as a distinguished statesman and international civil servant with more than four decades of experience in international diplomacy, government, academia and civil society.
It added that his extensive leadership background makes him well suited to lead the United Nations at a critical moment in global affairs.
“The Government of the Republic of Uganda has nominated and submitted the candidature of Ambassador Olara Otunnu, a distinguished Ugandan statesman and international civil servant, for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations,” the statement read in part.
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The contest comes as outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres prepares to leave office on December 31, 2026, after serving two five-year terms. His successor is expected to assume office in January 2027, with the selection process already underway.
Under the UN Charter, the General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council.
The Security Council must first recommend a candidate before the General Assembly makes the appointment, giving its members a decisive role in the selection process.
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