President William Ruto has clarified Kenya’s stance on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in an interview on May 24 with global news network Al Jazeera.
During the interview, Ruto was asked if he had urged President Joe Biden, during his state visit to the United States, to help end the violence, given the U.S role in the conflict.
Ruto, in response, emphasized that Kenya has long supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“We are firm in our belief of two things; that the situation in Middle East the situation in Gaza cannot be solved using military means and that a two Nation solution is the way to go,” said Ruto.
He further stated that Kenya remains impartial in the matter recognizing the sovereignty of both warring nations.
“We believe in the existence of Israel as a nation and as a friend, but we also believe in the existence of Palestine as a state and that is our position, that has been Kenya’s position that continues to be Kenya’s position,” he said.
Ruto Affirms Kenya’s Stance on Israel Hamas Conflict
The reporter highlighted the disparity between Kenya’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict and that of the U.S, noting that Kenya had voted three times at the United Nations for a ceasefire, only to be blocked by the U.S.
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Ruto, in his response, asserted that Kenya prosecutes its own agenda on the global stage and thinks for itself, rather than simply deferring to the positions of other nations.
“The position of Kenya is known. It is not for me to decide the United States’ position. When it comes to a two-state solution, it is not a position that we acquired yesterday, it is a position that has been and continues to be,” Ruto added.
“Irrespective of the position of other countries because we prosecute our own agenda, we speak for ourselves, we think for ourselves, and we drive our own position globally.”
Ruto Clarifies relationship with US
However, when pressed by the reporter to use his proximity to the U.S. president to appeal for reason and an end to the violence, Ruto defended Kenya’s approach.
He stated that Kenya takes a firm stance when its interests align with those of the US but stands separately when they diverge.
Also Read: Children Starving in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Delay Humanitarian Aid
Additionally, Ruto maintained that this does not mean Kenya becomes enemies with the US, but rather reflects a foreign policy that prioritizes Kenya’s own interests.
“Kenya has done its bit, we have taken the firmest position when our alliance, when our interests converge with the United States we stand together, when they don’t, we stand separately.
“But that does not mean we become enemies, that does not mean it affects our friendship, it’s just because it is what it is,” said Ruto
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