President William Ruto has urged the international community to push for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages, saying that the protection of civilians and adherence to humanitarian law must never be selective.
Addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ruto said that the suffering of innocent people in conflict zones, including Gaza and Sudan, cannot be ignored. He insisted that a credible political process is the only path to lasting peace.
“Ladies and gentlemen, on human rights, our principle is clear and unwavering: the protection of civilians and respect for humanitarian law cannot be applied selectively. We cannot condemn suffering in one place and turn a blind eye in another,” Ruto said on Wednesday.
He described the devastation in Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe caused by disproportionate military operations that have left civilians in dire conditions.
Ruto pressed for the immediate release of Israeli hostages and, in line with African Union and UN positions, called for strict observance of international law and the advancement of a political process to realise a two-state solution.“Only through such a process can the vision of a two-state solution be realised, where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and in security,” he said.
Turning to Sudan, Ruto expressed concern over the conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has trapped civilians in relentless violence. He aligned Kenya with the Quad—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States—in affirming that the crisis cannot be resolved militarily.
He stressed that all parties must respect Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.
“We firmly reject any attempts to divide the country, reaffirming our unwavering support for a unified Sudan for the benefit of its people,” he stated.
Highlighting Kenya’s role in peacekeeping, Ruto recounted the country’s active engagement in Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and most recently, Haiti. He pointed out that Kenya has led the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti for the past 15 months despite operating under severe constraints.
“For far too long, the people of Haiti called out to the world. Too often, their pleas were met with silence, hesitation, or half-measures. Despite operating underfunded, under-equipped, and below 40 per cent of its authorised personnel strength, the MSS mission has achieved tangible results,” he said.
He cited the restoration of the Presidential Palace, the securing of police headquarters and training academy, and the graduation of more than 700 new officers. He added that schools have reopened, traffic has resumed, and cases of kidnapping and extortion have reduced.
“The police headquarters and training academy, previously overrun, are now secure, with over 700 new officers recently graduated. Schools have reopened, traffic flows freely, and cases of kidnapping and extortion have reduced sharply,” Ruto said.
He urged the international community to provide full support to the Haiti mission to consolidate these gains.
“With the right support, Haiti’s security can be fully restored, gangs neutralised, and the safety of streets, schools, hospitals, and homes secured. Continued harassment, abductions, and criminal acts undermining the lives of Haitians are unacceptable and must be stopped,” he said.
Ruto called on the UN Security Council and global partners to ensure a smooth transition from the MSS mission and maintain coordinated attention on Haiti’s journey toward peace and stability.
