Kenya has condemned a series of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, expressing solidarity with the Kingdom as missile and drone strikes target airports and other critical infrastructure.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi conveyed Kenya’s position during a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed Elkhereiji, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Mudavadi expressed Kenya’s condolences to the families of those killed and sympathy to the Saudi government and people, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
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The diplomatic engagement comes amid an escalation of attacks attributed to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, raising concerns about regional security, aviation and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Saudi-led coalition figures reported on October 15 that attacks on five Saudi airports had killed 19 people and injured 364 others.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had been targeted in 20 attacks since the beginning of October. The figures also included casualties from attacks on Abha International Airport and other airports in the Kingdom.
The attacks have disrupted air travel, with operations at Riyadh’s main airport affected by the security situation.
Saudi Arabia has also faced threats to energy infrastructure, including reported attacks targeting facilities associated with state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco.
The developments have heightened concerns about the security of civilian facilities and the potential wider economic consequences of the escalating conflict.
Mudavadi’s telephone conversation with Elkhereiji underscored Kenya’s diplomatic support for Saudi Arabia following the reported attacks.
The Saudi Press Agency said Mudavadi conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and expressed sympathy to the Kingdom’s government and citizens.
The engagement comes as Saudi Arabia faces growing security challenges linked to the conflict involving the Houthis and the wider regional tensions.
Kenya’s statement also highlights the importance of diplomatic relations between Nairobi and Riyadh, particularly in areas involving trade, energy and regional stability.
The escalation is significant for Kenya because of its economic and energy ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.
Kenya relies on imported petroleum products, and disruptions affecting major energy producers, transport infrastructure or shipping routes could create uncertainty for international fuel markets.
However, the reported attacks do not, by themselves, establish that Kenya’s fuel supplies have been disrupted. Any direct impact would depend on developments affecting exports, shipping, supply arrangements and international oil prices.
The situation therefore remains important for Kenyan policymakers and energy-sector stakeholders to monitor as the regional security crisis develops.
The latest attacks add to concerns about the vulnerability of airports, energy facilities and other civilian infrastructure in the region.
The Saudi-led coalition has reported casualties and damage from attacks across several airports, while international reporting has highlighted the wider implications for aviation and regional security.
For Kenya, continued diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia and close monitoring of developments in the Gulf region will remain important as the country seeks to safeguard its economic interests and maintain stable energy supplies.
Mudavadi’s call with Elkhereiji marks Kenya’s response to the latest escalation and its expression of solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the reported loss of life.
