Kenya’s former National Defence College Commandant, Albert Kendagor, a retired three-star general, has called for the release of all hostages during his presentation of credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in July.

Kendagor, who was appointed by President Ruto last year, officially assumed his post in Tel Aviv, emphasizing the shared interests between Kenya and Israel, particularly in agritech and counterterrorism.

“We hope that all the hostages will be released,” Kendagor stated during the credential ceremony.

His tenure begins at a time of heightened tension between Israel and Hamas, following Hamas’s unprecedented assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Israel’s subsequent military response has been severe, with ongoing bombings in Gaza resulting in over 40,000 deaths, with many more casualties anticipated even if the conflict were to cease immediately.

Kenya has taken a firm stance against the Hamas attack, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei condemning it as a “despicable terror attack” and expressing deep regret over the loss of life.

Sing’oei reiterated Kenya’s denunciation of the individuals and entities responsible for what he termed a heinous attack on Israel, while also advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

This official position was echoed in statements by the Kenyan government, including one issued by President Ruto.

While Kenya’s policy traditionally supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, analysts have pointed out that this position may lack the clarity seen in the policies of other nations, such as South Africa, which has taken a more definitive stance against Israel’s actions in the occupied territories.

Observers have noted President Ruto’s longstanding ties with Israel, dating back to his time as Kenya’s agriculture minister, suggesting that his influence as the country’s top diplomat could shape Kenya’s future Middle East policies, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Kendagor succeeds Lt. Gen (Rtd) Samuel Thuita, an ex-Airforce commander who previously held the Tel Aviv post before being recalled.