Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Woman Representative, has strongly defended William Ruto after he was criticised for his recent comments about the growing conflict between the US and Iran. She says that the head of state has both the right and the duty to talk about world events that have an impact on Kenya.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Passaris said the president’s statement was not only appropriate but also reflective of Kenya’s long-standing foreign policy principles.

She dismissed claims that Ruto had overstepped by commenting on the crisis, arguing that Kenya is an active participant in global affairs and cannot remain indifferent to international instability.

“Kenya is not living in isolation; we are part of the New World Order. When something happens on a global scale, it affects us, and we have an opinion. Ruto’s statement speaks for the Kenyan people, and he is certainly well advised,” Passaris said.

Ruto’s remarks on the US-Iran war

Her comments come after President Ruto strongly condemned the growing number of strikes in the Middle East in a statement he posted on his official social media accounts on Monday, March 2, 2026. He said that the conflict’s growing regionalisation is a big threat to world peace and safety, especially since more countries seem to be getting involved.

Ruto spoke out against attacks on several Gulf and regional states, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. He termed the strikes deeply concerning and called for restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international law to prevent further escalation.

“Kenya strongly condemns the attacks on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It is evident that the regionalisation of this conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security,” Ruto stated.

The president also stressed how important multilateral institutions are for solving the crisis. He said that established international frameworks are still necessary for keeping tensions under control and protecting global stability.

Iran’s ambassador assures Kenya of safety

The Iranian government has assured that Kenya is safe from the ongoing missile attacks amid the ongoing tension with the U.S. and Israel on one side that has affected Gulf countries.

Addressing the press on Monday, March 2, 2026, Iranian Ambassador to Kenya Ali Gholampour said that Kenya does not host a United States military facility that is capable of attacking Iran.

Furthermore, Gholampour further assured that Iran is utilising short-range missiles that cannot reach Kenyan territory.

“Our missiles will not reach the Kenyan territory. Our government has deliberately, to show its intention, a peaceful intention, limited the range of missiles only for defensive purposes,” he said.