Kenya Reaffirms Neutral Stance in Middle East Conflict After Iran Criticism

Kenya has reaffirmed its neutral position on the escalating Middle East conflict after criticism from Iran, with the government rejecting claims that it supports the United States and Israel.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei said Kenya’s position is guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He said that Kenya is not involved in the conflict and remains non-aligned, with a focus on protecting national interests.

These include securing energy supplies, maintaining trade routes, and ensuring the safety of Kenyan citizens living and working in Gulf countries. Sing’oei also expressed solidarity with countries affected by the violence and welcomed the ceasefire announced jointly by the United States and Iran.

He described it as a possible step towards longer-term stability in the region. His remarks aimed to clarify Kenya’s stance and emphasise its support for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

The Iranian Embassy in Nairobi had earlier criticised Kenya, accusing it of disregarding international law by allegedly condemning Iran’s military actions. Iran maintained that its actions were lawful self-defence and referred to Article 2 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.

Tehran blamed the United States and Israel for the crisis, alleging they had initiated aggression and supported attacks through regional allies. Kenya’s position reflects the need to balance its foreign policy interests.

The country relies on energy imports and maintains strong trade links with Gulf states, making it important to avoid actions that could disrupt these connections. At the same time, Kenya seeks to uphold its reputation as a responsible participant in international affairs, with a commitment to multilateral cooperation and stability.