Zupanjevac: Kenya's change of stance on Kosovo is the result of corrupt relations between Pacolli and Ruto

Former Serbian Ambassador to Kenya, Dragan Zupanjevac, stated for Kosovo Online that Kenya’s recent change in stance regarding the recognition of Kosovo's independence is the result of corrupt relations between former Kosovo Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli and Kenyan President William Ruto.

Zupanjevac recalled that Kenya had long opposed Kosovo's admission to international organizations such as UNESCO and Interpol and had advocated for respect for international law. However, according to him, this position changed due to Pacolli’s efforts, who influenced the decision through financial and commercial relations with Ruto.

"When Kenya was a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2021 and 2022, it took a principled stance in sessions regarding Kosovo. Now, a change has occurred—former so-called Kosovo Minister Pacolli, who is de facto engaged in corrupt relations with the president, financed this shift in stance, and this is not good for Serbia," Zupanjevac said.

He reminded of the historical relationship between Serbia and Kenya, emphasizing that Yugoslavia was among the first ten countries to recognize Kenya’s independence in 1963 and that the two nations had long maintained strong political and economic ties.

"We can say that the main influence here comes from former Minister Pacolli, who has entered into commercially lucrative relations with the Kenyan president. He began these ties back in 2019 when the deputy president visited Pristina. At the time, Kenyan authorities denied this to me and claimed it was fake news, but in the end, Ruto himself admitted to me that he had been there," he said.

He added that the Kenyan president also held meetings in New York with President Vjosa Osmani but that he was assured recognition would not happen.

According to Zupanjevac, this was not a diplomatic victory but largely Pacolli’s achievement.

"He made this effort using his money and influence, but Kosovo is now very pleased with the result and will present it as its success and victory," he added.

Zupanjevac concluded that President Ruto is currently not politically stable and will face challenges in the upcoming elections. He expressed hope that Kenya’s future government would reconsider this decision, which, in his opinion, does not align with the country’s interests.