NEW YORK — Kenya’s President William Ruto has reaffirmed his country’s recognition of Palestine and renewed his call for a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr Ruto urged global leaders to work towards ending the violence that has gripped Gaza since late 2023.
“We support the pursuit of lasting stability in the Middle East through a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine live side by side in mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” Mr Ruto said in a statement. He reminded delegates that Kenya has recognised Palestine since 1989.
The president’s comments align Kenya with most African states, 52 of which already recognise Palestine. Only Cameroon and Eritrea have not. The African Union has also been consistent in its support for Palestinian independence.
Recognition of Palestine has grown beyond Africa. France recently joined a list of Western nations including Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Australia that have acknowledged Palestinian statehood. In total, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states have formally done so, according to figures published earlier this year.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the stakes are higher than ever. “We must recommit ourselves to the two-state solution before it is too late,” he said recently. “Let’s be clear: statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward.”
Kenya’s stand comes as world powers debate the next steps after years of failed negotiations and recurring outbreaks of violence. Analysts note that while declarations of support for Palestinian statehood carry symbolic weight, turning them into lasting peace has proved far more elusive.
Still, Mr Ruto’s remarks place Kenya firmly among countries advocating dialogue over confrontation. His call for restraint reflects a broader push from African leaders, who argue that peace in the Middle East is not only a regional priority but also a global responsibility.
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