President William Ruto has landed in yet another diplomatic controversy, this time in Rome. Fresh from global backlash over his Vatican visit, Ruto’s latest move has sent shockwaves across Europe.
During a high-profile event at Pope Francis’ burial in Vatican City, Ruto met Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, rekindling a fierce diplomatic row.
Their meeting, captured in a smiling photo shared by Osmani herself, comes just weeks after Kenya officially recognized Kosovo—a move that Serbia and its powerful allies, including Russia and China, had harshly condemned.
Now, Ruto’s decision to openly interact with Osmani is being seen as a direct challenge to those who warned against siding with Kosovo.
Ruto Meets Kosovo President as Diplomatic Crisis Deepens
The uproar began on March 26 when Kenya under President Ruto became the first country in five years to recognise Kosovo as an independent state. This decision immediately drew sharp condemnation from Serbia, a country that has long resisted Kosovo’s independence since its 2008 declaration.
Former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli publicized the recognition through social media, showing Kenya’s strong endorsement. Serbia’s government, furious with the move, accused Kenya of violating international law, citing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.
This resolution affirms Serbia’s sovereignty over Kosovo, backed firmly by Russia and China. Meeting Osmani so publicly at the Vatican event added salt to Serbia’s wounds.
“Always a pleasure to meet Kosovo’s great friend,” Osmani posted after the interaction, accompanied by a photo of her and Ruto.
The photo quickly went viral in Kenya, with many Kenyans questioning the wisdom of such a meeting amid rising diplomatic tensions.
According to Osmani, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties between Kosovo and Kenya, signaling that Ruto is doubling down despite the backlash. Meanwhile, Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a scathing statement, branding Kenya’s recognition as “an unacceptable and hostile act.”
Serbia hinted at cutting diplomatic relations with Kenya, calling Ruto’s action a direct violation of Serbia’s sovereignty and the UN Charter.
The Rome meeting now threatens to escalate an already tense situation and further isolate Kenya from traditional allies who see Kosovo’s independence as a red line.
Kenya Faces Possible Diplomatic Isolation After Kosovo Move
Ruto’s controversial diplomacy could have broader consequences for Kenya’s global standing. By siding with Kosovo, Nairobi risks alienating major powers like Russia and China, whose support often proves crucial in international forums such as the United Nations.
Serbia’s sharp reaction was only the beginning. Diplomats fear that the move could lead to wider fallout, including economic and political repercussions from countries sympathetic to Serbia’s position.
China, for instance, may see Kenya’s pro-Kosovo stance as inconsistent with its own territorial concerns over Taiwan.
Ironically, just days after the Kosovo controversy, Ruto’s administration reaffirmed its support for China’s “One China” policy, opposing Taiwan’s independence.
Critics argue that such flip-flopping sends confusing signals about Kenya’s true diplomatic values. Locally, Ruto’s foreign policy has also been described as chaotic.
Observers point to his erratic support for Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing Sudanese conflict, further muddying Kenya’s image abroad.
Ruto’s Reputation as a Diplomatic Risk-Taker Grows
President Ruto’s bold but reckless foreign moves are beginning to define his presidency. While some view his steps as efforts to carve a bold new path for Kenya, critics warn that his high-risk diplomacy could backfire badly.
The recognition of Kosovo was hailed by Osmani as a “historic decision” that would strengthen the friendship between the two countries. However, Ruto’s determination to deepen ties with Kosovo, despite Serbia’s outrage, portrays him as a leader willing to gamble Kenya’s long-term diplomatic relationships for short-term gains.
Experts worry that Ruto is pursuing a strategy without a clear long-term vision, chasing headline moments while ignoring the complex web of international alliances Kenya depends on.
As diplomatic storms gather, Kenya may find itself with fewer friends on the world stage if Ruto continues on this controversial path.
In the meantime, Ruto’s meeting with Kosovo’s president is more than just a photo opportunity — it is a direct and deliberate political message. Whether Kenya will survive the blowback unscathed remains to be seen.
