Kenya condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia, says it is tracking safety of citizens

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said attacks directed at civilians, civilian infrastructure and places of worship breach international humanitarian law and threaten the stability and security of the Kingdom.

The ministry said it was also deeply concerned by hostile activity affecting maritime trade in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, warning that threats to freedom of navigation carry implications for regional and global economic stability as well as energy security. It called for full respect for international law and implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen and the Houthis, including obligations relating to the arms embargo.

The ministry urged an end to attacks on merchant and commercial vessels, and said it would continue working with the international community to safeguard maritime security and protect legitimate trade.

It said, "Kenya calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to de-escalate and reiterates its support for a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations..."

Restating its long-held position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states are inviolable under the UN Charter, the ministry said Kenya stands with Saudi Arabia in protecting its people, the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who travel there, among them Kenyan citizens. It added that the government remains focused on the safety of Kenyan nationals living and working in the Kingdom, a community that includes thousands of domestic and service workers.

The ministry said it is committed to further strengthening of relations between Nairobi and Riyadh.