Kenya’s statement delivered at an emèrgency meeting of the United Nations (UN) Security Council on February 21 by Ambassador Martin Kimani has stirred global debate amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

In a hard-hitting statement, Kenya threw its weight behind Ukraine. It based its decision on Kenya’s history with colonial borders drawn in Europe.

Kenya accused Russia of irredentism and expansionism, stating that they rejected their actions. They opposed their recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states, reiterating their appeal for diplomatic channels to be used to resolve the matter as opposed to force.

The country notably recognized the yearning of people in neighbouring states formed from collapsed empires to unite but asserted their refusal of racial, religious, ethnic or cultural factors as basis for expansionism.

[VIDEO]: Kenya’ Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Martin Kimani calls out the West & Russia #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/DuqRv9lwQ4

— The African Voice (@teddyeugene) February 22, 2022

“Kenya, and almost every African country, was birthed from the end of empire. Our borders were not of our own drawing. They were drawn in the distant colonial metropoles of London, Paris and Lisbon with no regard for the ancient nations they cleaved apart.”

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“Today, across the border of every single African country live our countrymen with whom we share deep historical, cultural and linguistic bounds.”

“At independence, had we chosen to pursue states on the basis of ethnic, racial or religious homogeneity, we would be waging bloody war to this day.”

“Instead, we agreed that we would settle for the borders we inherited. But we would still pursue continental, political and legal integration. Rather than form nations that looked ever backwards into history with a dangerous nostalgia, we chose to look forward to a greatness none of our many nations and peoples had ever known,” the statement read in part.

It was one of the most talked about statements from the Security Council meeting. It was picked up by commentators and media particularly from US – whose allies Kenya supported against Putin.

It also attracted criticism from a section of analysts who questioned Kenya’s maritime dispute with Somalia and the country’s position on Israel-Palestine.

Kenya in its statement notably also pointed a finger at other members of the UN Security council, global powers, for over the decades disregarding international law.

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“Brilliant. Powerful. Struck all the chords and ticked the boxes. Viral. But what action will Kenya take to protect its citizens trapped in Ukraine?” posed journalist Sadique Shabaan.

“Powerful and moving statement from Kenya. Even from a neutral’s point of view,” stated Darshan Pathak.

“Kenya’s statement was awesome, taking a different perspective from “the West”, but still condemning Russian aggression wholeheartedly,” wrote Nine Dragons.

Find the statement below:

Kenya makes strong statement opposing the undermining of the sovereignty & territorial integrity of #Ukraine during the emergency meeting of the #SecurityCouncil at 9pm on 21st February. See full statement delivered below 👇🏿 pic.twitter.com/3S36UNW7OE

— Permanent Mission of Kenya to the UN 🇰🇪 🇺🇳 (@KenyaMissionUN) February 22, 2022