Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed that Kenya’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is now enshrined in law through the 2025 sessional paper passed by Parliament.

He noted that Kenya may be one of the few countries to have legislated its position, moving beyond diplomatic statements to a firm legal stance.

Speaking at his Railways office during a meeting with ambassadors from the Arab League, Mudavadi described the Gaza conflict as deeply tragic, highlighting the significant loss of life and the destruction of property and infrastructure. He condemned the ongoing violence and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing Kenya’s diplomatic role in advocating for peace despite its lack of military influence.

Mudavadi also apologized for a prior statement made by a government official that appeared to cause distress among Arab nations, clarifying that it did not reflect the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ position. He expressed support for the upcoming UN summit aimed at resolving the conflict and rebuilding Gaza.

He warned of the risk that the conflict could spill over and destabilize the wider region.

Mudavadi pledged to strengthen diplomatic ties with Arab League countries and urged cooperation in peace efforts and regional stability. He commended Qatar’s role in peace mediation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and encouraged support for the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) in resolving local conflicts.

Palestinian Ambassador Hazem Shabat, Dean of the Arab League envoys, underscored the centrality of the Palestinian cause to Arab diplomacy. He condemned Israel’s continued illegal actions, including settlement expansion, targeting civilians, and destroying infrastructure, all of which violate international resolutions.

Shabat highlighted the humanitarian crisis, noting that over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed and millions displaced since October 2023, stressing the extensive damage to Gaza’s hospitals, schools, and housing.

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with rising malnutrition among children and an astonishing 53.5 million tons of war debris. Reconstruction needs are estimated to exceed US$53 billion, according to international assessments. Shabat called for urgent global action to address this escalating crisis and to achieve lasting peace.