Kenyan Lawmakers Demand Strong Government Response to Gaza Situation

A group of Kenyan lawmakers, civil society organisations, and religious leaders has called on the government to publicly support Palestinians and condemn ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

During a public gathering at Uhuru Park that combined environmental advocacy with interfaith prayers, several prominent figures, including East African Legislative Assembly member Hassan Omar and Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, urged Kenya to take a clear diplomatic position. They criticised what they described as the government's silence amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. 

Mr Omar, who is also the Secretary-General of the ruling United Democratic Alliance, described the situation in Gaza as a moral test for Kenya’s foreign policy.

“We must join other nations in supporting Palestine against the atrocities being committed by Israel. The people of Gaza must be free and have their country back,” he said.

Mr Maalim expressed similar concerns, describing the violence in Gaza as “genocide” and accusing the international community of applying double standards. “As a country, we should not be silent. What is happening in Gaza is genocide, and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. Israel must be called out by the whole world,” he said.

Abdullahi Abdi, Chairperson of the National Muslim Leaders Forum (Namlef), warned that the Palestinian population faces an existential threat due to ongoing violence and restricted access to essential resources. He emphasised the importance of global solidarity in defending human rights. 

“While we fight for our rights in this country, we must also fight for the rights of people everywhere,” he said.

Sheikh Said Kiptoo, speaking on behalf of the Voice of Palestine initiative, urged Kenyan Muslims to speak out against the situation in Gaza. He framed the issue as both a religious obligation and a humanitarian concern. 

“We are raising our voices as Muslims in Kenya for the people in Gaza and demanding justice,” he said.

Amnesty International Kenya’s Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, called on the government to adopt a consistent and principled foreign policy. He urged Kenya’s missions at the United Nations to vote in favour of protecting civilians and upholding international law. 

“Our New York and Geneva missions must vote consistently at the United Nations on the right side of history to condemn hostilities, call for the protection of civilians, and demand accountability for war crimes,” he said. 

He also reiterated support for a two-state solution as a long-term goal. Youth activist Nimo Abdiwahab highlighted the stark contrast between daily life in Kenya and the suffering of Palestinians. She called for both material support and public awareness efforts. 

“The people of Palestine are struggling every day while we sleep comfortably. If there is anything we can do, either financial support or creating awareness, we must do it,” she said.