So, why did Kenya abstain from UN resolution on Jerusalem?

The United Nations General Assembly in session on Thursday. (Courtesy)

By: Abdikadir Ukash

NAIROBI—Kenya was one of the countries that absatained from a United Nations vote on whether Jerusalem should be recognised as the capital of the Israel governemnt.

The United Nations general assembly  was voting on a resolution denouncing Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The resolution passes by a resounding majority, with just nine countries – including the US and Israel – voting against it. Members of the general assembly break into a round of applause when the result  was announced.

Kenya is among the 35 countries that abstained from the voting. Other African countires that followed suit are Uganda, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho and Equatorial-Guinea.

128 other countries supported the resolution in a vote the Palestinian Atuthority termed as people-centred victory.

So, why did Kenya a country which has previously supported such resolution absatained from the vote?

President Donald Trump had warned ahead of the vote in the 193-nation assembly that “we’re watching” and threatened reprisals against countries backing the measure, which reaffirms that the status of Jerusalem must be resolved through negotiations.

The Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu attended President Uhuru’s inauguration which the opposition termed as “lacking illigitimacy.”

Kenya is one of the five countries that receive the highest  U.S aid. Others are Israel, Afhanistan, Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan.

“The United States will remember this day,” US Ambassador Nikki Haley told the assembly.

“But this vote will make a difference on how Americans look at the UN and on how we look at countries who disrespect us in the UN,” she said.

“When we make generous contributions to the UN we also have a legitimate expectation that our goodwill is recognized and respected.”

While resolutions by the General Assembly are non-binding, a strong vote in support carries political weight.