Nairobi News

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has warned Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o against meddling in international matters that can be handled by the national government.

The PS warning comes a day after the county boss issued a statement in which he appealed to African countries to cut ties with Israel over its war with Palestine.

The way has killed thousands, injured several, and destroyed property worth millions of dollars.

But the PS has warned Nyong’o that foreign policy is the exclusive domain of the national government in Kenya.

“Kenya abhors the gross violation of international humanitarian law in Gaza. It has not taken any decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel nor is the matter under consideration,” the PS said.

The PS stressed that Kenya continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of dialogue to resolve the difficult issues that underpin the current escalation which has led to the loss of hundreds of innocent people including children in Gaza Strip.

According to the Governor’s statement, the Israeli’s action was against the interests of all progressive forces in the Arab world and Israel herself, and there was a need for the African Union to condemn the action.

“Progressive forces in Africa, led by the African Union cannot stand by and let this happen. We would like to appeal to the African Union to call upon all its member governments to immediately break diplomatic relations with Israel in solidarity with our comrades in Gaza and the West Bank,” part of the letter issued by the governor reads.

President William Ruto had earlier stated that Kenya was standing with the Israeli government, a decision that received criticism from the Opposition Chief Mr Raila Odinga, and his South African counterpart Mr Julius Malema.

But in his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, the President appeared to have softened his stand when he held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The President said that Kenya was not supporting any form of terrorism as well as illegal occupation.

“We believe that terrorism cannot be an answer to any conflict, neither can occupation,” Ruto said.

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