Raila Makes Appeal To President Ruto Over Kenya's Stand On Israel-Hamas War

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has urged President William Ruto to change Kenya’s stand on the Israel-Hams war in the Gaza Strip. 

Speaking on Saturday, November 4 during the Luo Cultural Festival in Mombasa County, Raila said Kenya should stand with the people of Palestine who are being brutalized by the Israel forces.

He noted that history shall condemn President Ruto if the Kenyan government remains silent on the brutality against the Palestinians.

“I want to urge Mr Ruto not to be misled to condemn your own brothers and sisters. Don’t be silent in the face of humanity that is being meted out against the people of Palestine. The Kenyan government must stand with the people who are being brutalized otherwise history shall condemn you,” said Raila.

The opposition chief went on to ask Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the war in Gaza terming it inhuman and primitive.

“I want to advise Mr. Netanyahu to stop killing Arab children in Palestine. We must condemn in the strongest terms possible the brutality with which innocent children and women of Palestine are being brutalized by the regime of Mr Netanyahu. It is inhuman, primitive, and brutal and we condemn it,” he added.

President Ruto condemned the Palestinians in October after Hamas attacked Israel and left a number of people dead and others injured.

"Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemns terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country. The people of Kenya and their government hereby express their deepest sympathy and send condolences to the families of all victims. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured," said Ruto.

His stand, however, differed from that of the African Union, which called for a cease-fire, stating that the outsider forces meddling in the affairs of Palestine were the basis of the unending conflict.

The war broke out on October 7 after Hamas forces attacked southern Israel. Israeli military forces retaliated with extensive strikes on the Gaza Strip and a subsequent invasion of Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 9,200 people have been killed in Gaza since the war started.

Israel, on the other hand, reports that over 1,400 people have been killed in the war, with the majority in the Hamas attack on October 7.

A number of countries have called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.