Deported Somalia Deputy PM Denies Claims He Threatened Kenya's Security
Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Haji Abdirashid, has rejected allegations that his recent visit to Kenya posed a threat to the country’s national security, describing the claims as false and without factual basis.
In a statement issued on 28 June, Abdirashid said his conduct during the visit complied with international law and reflected his commitment to regional peace and cooperation. The dispute followed his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on 24 June, where Kenyan immigration officials questioned him over allegations that he was carrying a fraudulently obtained Kenyan passport in addition to his Somali diplomatic passport.
Officials requested that he surrender the Kenyan document, but he reportedly refused, saying he would only produce it before a court of law. He was held in the airport's VIP lounge before being placed on a return flight to Mogadishu and denied entry into Kenya.
Kenyan security sources have alleged that Abdirashid was involved in attempts to destabilise towns along the Kenya–Somalia border and arm clan militias operating in the region. He dismissed the accusations, saying he had never engaged in activities that threatened Kenya’s sovereignty or Somalia’s stability.
"I reject these allegations in full. They are false, baseless, and unsupported by fact," Abdirashid said.
Despite the incident, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Kenya’s longstanding support for Somali refugees, humanitarian programmes and regional security efforts. He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries, particularly through cooperation in trade, infrastructure and security.
The incident comes amid continued tensions between Nairobi and Mogadishu, shaped by security concerns linked to Al-Shabaab and the closure of the Kenya–Somalia border since 2011. President William Ruto has indicated that his government is considering reopening the border, although security concerns remain part of the discussion.