Kenya Speaks Out: Ruto Condemns Strikes on Gulf States as Diaspora Kenyans Watch Anxiously

Kenya strongly condemns the strikes on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain – President Ruto

President William Ruto issued a firm statement denouncing the strikes on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, describing the unfolding conflict as a “grave threat to international peace and security.” He warned that the regionalisation of the crisis risks destabilising not only the Middle East but also the wider global order.
Ruto stressed that Kenya “strongly condemns” the attacks and stands for dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law. He called this a “defining and perilous moment in global history” and urged world powers to use multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, to stop further escalation.
Why This Matters to the Kenyan Diaspora
The Middle East, and especially the Gulf states, host hundreds of thousands of Kenyan workers across sectors such as domestic work, security, construction, logistics, hospitality and professional services. Recent estimates indicate that over 400,000 Kenyans live and work in the broader Middle East region, making any instability there deeply personal for Kenyan families.
For many Kenyan households, remittances from relatives in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman are a critical lifeline that pays school fees, medical bills and supports small businesses back home. Any disruption whether through airspace closures, company shutdowns or large‑scale evacuations would immediately be felt in Kenyan towns and villages from Nairobi and Mombasa to Eldoret and Kisumu.
Government Advisory to Kenyans in the Region
Alongside President Ruto’s condemnation, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has issued security and travel advisories to Kenyans in affected countries. Kenyans in Iran, Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq have been urged to remain vigilant, follow host government instructions and stay in close touch with Kenyan embassies and consulates.
Officials have encouraged Kenyans abroad to register with nearby missions and update next‑of‑kin contacts using official diaspora platforms so that they can be reached quickly in an emergency. The government has also aligned itself with international calls for de‑escalation and a return to UN‑charter mechanisms to resolve disputes.
A Call for Peace from the Diaspora
For the Kenyan diaspora, especially those in the Gulf, this crisis is a reminder of how intertwined Kenya has become with global geopolitics. Many Kenyans in the region now balance their daily work with anxiety about security alerts, flight disruptions and the possibility of sudden changes to immigration or employment policies.
Diaspora leaders and community organisations can play a key role by sharing verified information, discouraging panic and supporting compatriots who may feel isolated or afraid. As President Ruto calls for urgent multi‑stakeholder engagement and de‑escalation, Kenyans at home and abroad are united in one simple prayer: that peace will prevail, civilians will be protected and the region will step back from the brink.