Kenya has condemned a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia that have killed 19 people and injured 364 others, as the escalating violence threatens civilian safety and disrupts air travel.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi conveyed Nairobi’s support for Saudi Arabia during a telephone conversation with the country’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed Elkhereiji, on Thursday, October 15.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Mudavadi expressed Kenya’s solidarity with the Kingdom and offered condolences to the families of those killed.
He also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Saudi airports among the targets
The latest attacks have hit several airports across Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport in the south-west of the country.
Figures released by the Saudi-led coalition on Thursday put the death toll at 19, with 364 people injured across five airports.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport had been targeted 20 times since the beginning of October. Between October 7 and 11, attacks on the airport killed 17 people and injured 333 others, according to the coalition.
The attacks have also disrupted aviation operations, raising concerns about the safety of passengers and the security of critical infrastructure.
The Houthis, a Yemeni armed movement aligned with Iran, have been involved in a prolonged conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Saudi Arabia has played a major role in the conflict, backing the government against the group.
The latest escalation has added to tensions across the region.
Why the attacks matter to Kenya
The violence has implications beyond the Middle East, including for Kenya, which depends on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand.
Saudi Arabia is an important partner in Kenya’s fuel supply arrangements, including the government-to-government import framework. Continued disruption to regional transport and energy infrastructure could create additional uncertainty for fuel markets.
However, the extent to which the latest attacks will affect Kenya’s fuel supplies or prices remains unclear.
For Nairobi, the immediate diplomatic message is one of support for Saudi Arabia as civilian casualties mount and regional tensions deepen.
Mudavadi’s statement underscores Kenya’s concern over attacks affecting civilians and essential facilities. The challenge now is whether diplomatic pressure and other international efforts can help prevent further escalation.
