President William Ruto’s recent foreign policy decisions have sparked significant controversy and may have cost Raila Odinga a crucial opportunity at the African Union Commission (AUC).
For instance, by openly supporting Israel in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Sahrawi as a sovereign state, Ruto took bold stances that resonated internationally but clashed with the political dynamics within the African Union.
These moves not only complicated Kenya’s diplomatic relationships but also potentially alienated key AU member states whose support was vital for Raila’s bid.
In this article, WoK looks at how Ruto’s strategic missteps influenced the outcome of the hotly contested AUC chairmanship bid.
Supporting Israel
In October 2023, Ruto publicly declared solidarity with Israel following attacks by Palestinian militants, condemning terrorism and expressing sympathy for the victims.
This stance aligned Kenya with Israel, contrasting with the African Union’s position, which condemned Israel’s actions in the conflict.
“Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemn terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country,” he said.
However, in November 2023, during a summit in Riyadh, President Ruto adjusted his position, emphasizing Kenya’s support for a two-state solution and condemning both terrorism and occupation.
Recognizing Sharawi as a state
In September 2022, Ruto extended an invitation to Brahim Ghali, the President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), to attend his inauguration ceremony in Nairobi.
This gesture was initially perceived as an affirmation of Kenya’s recognition of the SADR, aligning with the country’s longstanding support for the Sahrawi cause.
However, shortly after the inauguration, Ruto announced a significant shift in Kenya’s foreign policy by stating that Kenya would rescind its recognition of the SADR and initiate steps to wind down the entity’s presence in the country.
This announcement was made via a tweet, which was subsequently deleted, leading to confusion and debate over Kenya’s official stance on the Western Sahara issue.
The rapid policy reversal highlighted the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Western Sahara conflict and underscored the challenges in balancing diplomatic relations with both Morocco and the Sahrawi Republic.
President Emmanuel Macron’s phone call
In January 2025, as the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated with M23 rebels seizing the key city of Goma, Ruto engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
He held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which Macron expressed support for regional initiatives aimed at restoring peace in the DRC.
Macron also committed France’s assistance to Kenya’s participation in peace efforts across the region, including Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan.
Ruto’s outreach to Western leaders, particularly France, elicited mixed reactions from regional stakeholders.
Some West African nations, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, have recently distanced themselves from France, accusing it of interference in their internal affairs.
These countries might view Ruto’s engagement with Macron as contradictory to the growing sentiment of reducing Western influence in African conflicts.
Involvement in DRC crisis
Additionally, in response to the DRC crisis, Ruto took swift action by convening an extraordinary summit to address the crisis.
However, Ruto’s proactive involvement elicited mixed reactions from neighboring countries.
Some Congolese political figures perceived his actions, along with the EAC’s intervention, as external interference in their national affairs.
Additionally, Ruto’s close ties with Rwandan leadership raised concerns about potential biases, given Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels.
