President William Ruto has condemned missile strikes targeting American military bases in the Gulf region, warning that the widening conflict in the Middle East poses a serious threat to global peace and security.
The condemnation follows retaliatory attacks by Iran after strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday. Iran’s response reportedly targeted multiple countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.
In a statement released on Monday, President Ruto cautioned that the regionalisation of the conflict could have far-reaching consequences, urging renewed diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions.
“At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East,” Ruto said.
Rising Casualties and Regional Fallout
The UAE confirmed that two people were killed in Abu Dhabi, including a Pakistani civilian. The country’s defence ministry said 137 missiles and 209 drones were launched at its territory on Saturday. Witnesses in Dubai reported explosions and missiles streaking across the sky, with smoke seen rising from The Palm. At least four people were injured.
Qatar’s defence ministry said it intercepted several missile attacks, while in Iraq, two people were killed in air strikes on a military base housing the pro-Iran group Kataeb Hezbollah, which has since threatened retaliation against the United States.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.
International Alarm and Aviation Disruption
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting, during which Iran’s envoy accused the US and Israel of possible “war crimes” for allegedly targeting civilians. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that military action in the region “carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control.”
The escalation has triggered major disruption to global air travel, with thousands of flights delayed or cancelled the worst interruption since the Covid-19 pandemic. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the UAE announced partial airspace closures.
Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways, has suspended flights to Dubai and Sharjah until further notice. Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi issued a travel and safety advisory urging Kenyans in the Middle East to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential movement particularly near military installations and crowded public spaces and follow guidance from local security authorities.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, Kenya’s leadership has joined the growing international call for restraint, dialogue and a swift return to negotiations to prevent further destabilisation of the region.
