Ruto Condemns Attacks on UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Conflict​​

President William Ruto has strongly condemned the recent missile and drone strikes targeting several Gulf nations, warning that the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East poses a serious threat to global peace and the safety of civilians, including hundreds of thousands of Kenyans working in the region.

In a statement issued on Monday, March 2, the Head of State expressed deep concern over the widening scope of hostilities following coordinated military exchanges involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. 

Ruto cautioned that the unfolding crisis risks destabilising an already volatile region while undermining international security frameworks built over decades.

“This conflict must not be allowed to spiral out of control,” Ruto said, adding that the regionalisation of the fighting could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences beyond the Middle East.

The President specifically condemned the reported attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, allegedly launched by Iran in retaliation for earlier U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. 

According to Kenyan officials, the strikes involved a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and armed drones aimed at critical infrastructure and military installations.

Ruto’s remarks come amid growing concern for the Kenyan diaspora in the Gulf. Data from the State Department indicates that more than 400,000 Kenyans live and work across the Gulf Cooperation Council states, many employed in aviation, hospitality, security, and domestic sectors. 

Any prolonged conflict, officials warn, could directly affect their safety, livelihoods, and evacuation options.

Since Saturday, February 28, Iran has reportedly launched hundreds of projectiles toward multiple Gulf states. 

In the UAE, authorities said most incoming threats were intercepted, though debris and several impacts were recorded near strategic sites, including major airports and commercial districts. 

Qatar and Kuwait also confirmed interceptions, with limited damage reported in industrial zones and near military facilities. 

Bahrain disclosed that a U.S. naval installation and a commercial area were hit, triggering fires and emergency responses.

Against this backdrop, President Ruto stressed the importance of diplomacy and collective global action. 

“At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for resolving the current crisis,” he said, urging restraint from all parties involved.

Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has since issued a travel and safety advisory, urging Kenyans in the Middle East to remain vigilant, register with nearby embassies or consulates, and keep their families informed. 

Diaspora Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu noted that the government is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with international partners to safeguard Kenyan nationals.