Muslim leaders fault PS Korir over stand on Israeli war on Gaza

The National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) in Kenya has expressed concern and disappointment regarding Kenya's stand on Israel's ongoing war against Palestinians, following social media posts by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei

NAMLEF wrote an open letter to Korir on June 14, noting that his most recent statement, "while acknowledging the rescue of Israeli hostages, fails to address the broader and more pressing issue of the systemic atrocities being committed by Israel against the Palestinian people, including the slaughter of 270 Palestinians by the Israeli Occupation Forces during this incident."

https://x.com/SingoeiAKorir/status/1799726548276126202

We welcome the news of the rescue of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas but are deeply troubled by the human carnage that accompanied it. What's evident is that hostage taking as a tactic in any conflict is unacceptable as it is likely to impose disproportionate costs on non…

— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) June 9, 2024

According to NAMLEF Chairman Abdullahi Abdi, Korir's comments on social media seemingly minimised the gravity of the situation by focusing on a singular event.

"This perspective overlooks the continuous and egregious violations of human rights perpetrated by Israel, which have been widely documented and condemned by various international bodies, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice (ICJ)," Abdullahi said.

He added that the position Korir has taken, as reflected in his social media posts and previous releases, has demonstrated a bias towards Israel, disregarding the plight of an oppressed population that has been under siege for the last 17 years.

"This stance places Kenya on the wrong side of history, aligning it with a state that has consistently engaged in actions amounting to genocide and war crimes," the chair said.

The group also claimed that there had been a noticeable shift in Kenya's foreign policy, particularly its relations with Israel. In their view, Kenya has historically maintained a balanced stance, advocating for peace and justice in the Palestinian issue.

"Recent statements and actions suggest a departure from the position. Kenya's growing alignment with Israel, marked by increased diplomatic engagements and cooperation in various sectors, signifies a shift from supporting Palestinian self-determination and human rights," said Abdullahi.

In NAMLEF's view, Kenya's recent actions suggest a prioritisation of strategic alliances and economic benefits over its commitment to human rights and justice, compromising its moral and ethical stance, positioning it as a supporter of an oppressive regime, and undermining its credibility globally.

On June 11, however, Korir welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to provide a framework for halting the destruction and death that the conflict has brought over the last eight months.

"That the UNSC found consensus on this matter represents hope that the cynical political posturing by veto-wielding members of the council, can be set aside in the interest of securing objectives that foster human survival and wellbeing," part of his message stated.

A welcome, albeit late, adoption of this resolution by the UN Security Council provides a framework for halting the destruction and death that the Israel-Hamas conflict has brought over the last eight months. That the UNSC found consensus on this matter represents hope that the… https://t.co/4fNAWSx4I3

— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) June 11, 2024

NAMLEF asked Korir to recognise that what is going on in Gaza is genocide.

Abdullahi also noted that "Israel has been called out officially by the IIC and the ICJ for the atrocities committed.

"We call upon you and the foreign policy designed for Kenbya to place the interest of the Kenyan people above the political experience of the day," Abdullahi said.

In January, Korir expressed Kenya’s deep concern over the worsening situation in Gaza in the conflict that started on October 7, 2023.

In a statement posted on X, the PS said the situation in Gaza was a matter of great concern to Kenya and urged nations across the world to mobilise and bring it to a halt.

Early in June, Kenya voiced strong support for a joint initiative by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to establish a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

As of June 15, at least 37,296 Palestinians had been killed and 85,197 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza, the health ministry said in a statement.

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