Kenya's Ruto warns of risk of 'starvation in Horn of Africa' due to climate change

Asked about the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, Ruto said he was "very concerned", saying "whatever happens in Ethiopia gets to Kenya". However, he expressed confidence that under an African Union framework, "we should be able to bring the sides to the [negotiating] table at the earliest possible opportunity."

Ruto also addressed his relationship with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he appointed as an envoy to Ethiopia and DR Congo. Ruto said he was "a good friend" of Kenyatta and that the latter "brings value to the processes in Ethiopia and in DRC".

Finally, asked about the conflict in neighbouring Somalia, where Kenyan troops have been deployed for 15 years, he said: "Those troops will come back home as soon as we're done with the assignment that we have in Somalia." While admitting that Kenyans want the troops to come home "yesterday", he expressed hope that the new Somali president would be "more committed to fighting Al Shabaab".

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