Nairobi, Kenya – March 2, 2026 – President William Ruto has condemned the missile strikes targeting American bases in the Gulf region, warning that the ongoing Middle East conflict threatens international peace and security.
The attacks follow Iran’s retaliation against US and Israeli strikes on Saturday, targeting the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. In Abu Dhabi, two people, including a Pakistani civilian, were killed, while four others sustained injuries. Qatar reported intercepting multiple missile attacks, and Iraq saw casualties at a military base housing the pro-Iran group Kataeb Hezbollah.
President Ruto called for urgent dialogue to de-escalate tensions, stating, “At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for resolving the current crisis.”
The conflict has disrupted global travel, with thousands of flights delayed or canceled—the largest disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, and the UAE imposed partial airspace closures. Kenya Airways suspended flights to Dubai and Sharjah until further notice.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also advised citizens in the Middle East to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential travel near military facilities or crowded areas, and follow local security guidance.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning that the situation “carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control.”
