Kenya accused of hypocrisy over response to Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel

After Saturday's retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel, Kenyan President William Ruto took to the social media platform X to denounce Tehran's strike, citing it as a significant threat to global peace and stability.

He urged Israel to exercise restraint in response.

"Kenya is deeply concerned by Iran's attack on the State of Israel. This disturbing development only serves to aggravate an already delicate situation in the Middle East," the Kenyan leader said on Sunday.

"The Iran attack represents a real and present threat to international peace and security, contravenes the Charter of the United Nations and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries."

"In responding to this act of aggression, Kenya urges Israel to show utmost restraint, taking into account the urgent need for all parties to walk away from the brink beyond which recovery will be enormously difficult," Ruto said in an X statement.

Iran launched numerous drones and cruise missiles targeting Israel on Saturday evening, marking the Islamic Republic's first direct assault on the Jewish state.

The action was in retaliation for the April 1 strike on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus, resulting in the death of a senior member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards and eight other officers.

Kenya is deeply concerned by Iran's attack on the State of Israel. This disturbing development only serves to aggravate an already delicate situation in the Middle East. The attack represents a real and present threat to international peace and security, contravenes the Charter…

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 14, 2024

Accusations of 'double standards'

Some Kenyans have criticised the statement, saying it highlights double standards.

Former Mandera Central MP Billow Kerrow criticised President Ruto for condemning Iran's attack on Israel while remaining silent on Israel's actions in Syria and Gaza.

He accused the Kenyan leader of following a foreign policy dictated by the West.

"As usual, when Israel attacked Iran, it's convenient to remain quiet. When the latter retaliates, we issue statements accusing it of a breach of the UN Charter. Israel rubbished the UN, its resolutions, laws, and institutions but we look the other way. Sad. We are still colonised by the West," Kerrow posted on the X platform.

Willy Mutunga, a former Kenyan Chief Justice, known for his criticism of President Ruto's foreign policy, lambasted the administration, stating, "In his Masters' Voice he speaks. Never ever in his People's Voice. Our foreign policy is a national shame. It will remain so as long as we don't stand up against the Masters and their house niggers in this slave plantation, we call Kenya. We surely know who our enemies are."

Mohamed Tache Dida, a Chief Officer at Marsabit County and ardent supporter of President Ruto, voiced concerns over the President's stance on global issues, stating, "Your Excellency, you're one respected voice in Africa, a President worthy of reverence and deserving of global ears."

Uphold justice

Dida noted the need for Ruto to condemn Israel's actions in Palestine to uphold justice for the oppressed.

"Whereas, it's perfectly OK to condemn violence meted out on any nation by another, you've not remembered to condemn Israel for the atrocity it visited, and continue to, on Palestine, which atrocity has already claimed over 30,000 lives, many of whom were defenceless children and women," Dida said in an X post.

The lack of consensus between the government and the people it leads has cast an unforgiving light on Kenya's past and current foreign policy and its alignment with public statements on contentious matters that have a bearing back home.

Critics argue that the country's recent statement reflects a pro-Israel bias, raising concerns about its diplomatic positioning in the Middle East.

Observers have noted President Ruto's historical affinity for Israel, dating back to his tenure as Kenya's Agriculture Minister under the late Mwai Kibaki's administration.

His commitment to strengthening ties with Israel has seemingly remained steadfast since assuming office.

First Lady Rachael Ruto, through the Mama Doing Good Initiative, recently partnered with the Israeli embassy to establish "Zion Gardens" in Machakos County.

The first couple also made a much-publicised visit to the Western Wall, also known as the "Wailing Wall," earlier last year.