Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Rejects Kenya’s Security Claims After Deportation, Calls for Stronger Ties
Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Haji Abdirashid has rejected Kenya’s allegations following his deportation from Nairobi, denying claims related to border security, clan militias, and an alleged Kenyan passport while reaffirming his commitment to stronger Somalia–Kenya relations.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Haji Abdirashid has rejected allegations made by Kenyan authorities following his deportation from Nairobi, insisting he has never engaged in activities that threatened the security or sovereignty of either Kenya or Somalia.
In a statement released Monday, Abdirashid described claims linking him to border destabilization, clan militias, and the fraudulent acquisition of a Kenyan passport as “false, baseless, and unsupported by fact.”
“At no time did I engage in any activity aimed at undermining the security, sovereignty, stability, or territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya or the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he said.
The statement follows allegations by Kenya’s Counter Terrorism Policing unit, which claimed the deputy prime minister was connected to plans to arm clan militias near the Kenya-Somalia border and had been linked to recent violence in Baidoa. Kenyan authorities also alleged he possessed an illegally acquired Kenyan passport, although they have not publicly released evidence supporting the accusations.
Abdirashid said he has always carried out his public responsibilities in accordance with the rule of law while promoting regional peace and good neighbourly relations.
Rather than escalating the diplomatic dispute, he emphasized the longstanding partnership between Somalia and Kenya, describing Kenya as one of Somalia’s closest regional allies.
“The Republic of Kenya remains one of the closest and most valued partners of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he said, praising Kenya’s role in hosting Somali refugees, supporting peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, state-building efforts, and regional economic cooperation.
Somali Report · Newsletter
Sign up to The Insider
Your morning briefing on Somalia's biggest stories — politics, security, business, and the people shaping the region's future.
He stressed that the people of Somalia and Kenya share deep historical, cultural, family, and commercial ties that should continue to unite the two countries.
Abdirashid also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, trade, infrastructure, investment, regional integration, and people-to-people relations.
“I remain committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Kenya for the mutual benefit of our two nations,” he said.
The deputy prime minister further urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information while reaffirming his commitment to constitutional governance, regional cooperation, and constructive engagement with Kenya.
His statement comes after Kenya denied him entry through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last week and placed him on a return flight to Mogadishu.
The incident has attracted significant attention because it involves one of Somalia’s highest-ranking officials and comes only days after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concluded high-level talks with Kenyan President William Ruto aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
About the Author
Fatuma Taxadar Yusuf is the Editor-in-Chief of Somali Report. She was the first woman to serve as an editor and media managing director in Somalia’s Puntland State. Previously, she worked with the BBC World Service and other leading media organizations in Somalia. She also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Somalia Media Council, an independent body that regulates media standards and professional conduct in Somalia.