KENYA’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE POSITION IN GEOPOLITICS

Many might have ignored it while others might not have noticed it but congratulatory messages to the president elect William Ruto from two world leaders were significant. The first message was from the president of the Russian Federation His Excellency Vladimir Putin while the other was from his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky,the Ukrainian president. The significance of these two cannot be vaguely ignored considering the current situation in Ukraine. They thus serve a purpose to both countries to be accepted by a new head of state. Putin and Zelensky are in a rat race to garner support for the war in Ukraine between their two countries. Russia has been engaged in a military offensive in Ukraine since February. Seven months later and the war is still protracting and Ukraine is still holding out. This against the expectations of many who thought Ukraine would be conquered in a matter of days if not hours considering the military might of Russia. The events happening in the backdrop of this avoidable war grant these congratulatory messages their significance. It would have been very nice to know what was said in these messages. Obviously,both countries would like the new president to back them. Previously,African heads of States avoided chiding Russia for the war as most countries were doing even after being cajoled. Instead,they called for peaceful negotiations and urgent cessation of hostilities. It has been debated whether it was their experiences that guided them or friendship with Russia. Both can be true. Many African states are economically indebted to Russia in terms of energy products,grains,military equipment and other goods found mostly in Russia. African states history of post colonial epoch are dotted with numerous wars, clashes and internecine feuds. Maybe they understood clearly that there are no victors in war.When the Ukrainian president requested for a meeting with the African Union, he was rebuffed for the first time and when he at last got the chance, only a handful of leaders were present. A significant majority boycotted while others sent Representatives. The message was clear for everyone. However, Kenya currently occupies the temporary seat at the United Nations security council and has been consistently voting against Russia. Will the new president maintain this position? Only time will tell. Right now everyone is trying to woo Kenya to their side,this explains the large contingent of foreign leaders at tomorrow’s swearing in event. In a past interview with CNN,the new president stated categorically that this was not the time to apportion blame, further affirming that he will work with both parties to find amicable solutions to bring the war to a speedy end. Starting on a right footing it is. Kenyans are hoping that our foreign policies will grant us favour with both sides. However,history of the cold war reminds us that sitting on the fence is as detrimental as taking sides. Both countries suffered regardless of their stance.