Pan African Visions

Kenya puts Somalia on notice

January 28, 2021

By Samuel Ouma

Kenyan government spokesperson Col. Cyrus Oguna
Kenyan government spokesperson Col. Cyrus Oguna

Kenya wants Somalia to stop dragging its name into its internal issues.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Kenyan government spokesperson Col. Cyrus Oguna accused Somalia leaders of engaging in diversionary tactics as the country nears its polls slated for February 8, 2021.

Oguna said the recurrent confrontation between Kenyan and Somalia forces at the Mandera border has connections with the domestic political activities in Somalia, with every effort being made to give them an external angle.

“We are calling on Somali leadership to desist from dragging Kenya into their domestic issues,” Oguna said.

The spokesperson reiterated that Kenya is known for generosity and hospitality. Therefore, it would be counter-productive for her to destabilize the very people it offers a refuge.

"Allegations by Somalia that Kenya is sponsoring and harbouring militia to destabilize Somalia are not based on any merit.”

"We are a peace-loving people, in a country governed by the rule of law and guided by the principle of non-interference.

"Due to this, it is here that most Somalis run to whenever violence breaks out in their country. They still do cross over into Kenya to seek certain services,” he said.

Kenya remains committed to the maintenance of peace and stability in the East Africa region.

“It is for this reason that our troops, operating under the auspices of the African Union (AU), continue to be part and parcel of the regional peace-keeping effort for Somalia,” he added.

IGAD on Monday exonerated Kenya from the claims that it is interfering with Somalia's internal affairs and violating its territorial sovereignty. 

The Fact-Finding Mission report released on Monday noted the allegations were baseless, accusing Somali leadership of severing diplomatic ties with Kenya, noting it has negatively impacted Somali nationals' lives who seek relief and amenities in Kenya.

Somalia expelled Kenya’s Ambassador and recalled its last year December.

IGAD report was welcomed by Kenya and rejected by the Federal Government of Somalia.

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