By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Somalia, June 29, 2026 - Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Haji Abdirashid has broken his silence following his deportation from Kenya, dismissing allegations that he posed a security threat and instead calling for stronger cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
In a statement issued on Monday, Abdirashid rejected claims that he was involved in activities aimed at destabilising towns along the Kenya-Somalia border, describing the accusations as "false, baseless, and unsupported by fact."
"I reject these allegations in full. They are 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 remarks come days after Kenyan authorities denied the senior Somali official entry through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Security agencies reportedly alleged that Abdirashid possessed a fraudulently acquired Kenyan passport and linked him to plans to arm clan militias in border areas, claims they said could have threatened peace and security. Authorities also accused him of involvement in recent violence in Baidoa, although no public evidence has been released to support the allegations.
Abdirashid maintained that throughout his public service he had respected the rule of law and worked to promote peace and good neighbourly relations.
"I have carried out my public duties with full respect for the rule of law, regional peace, and good neighbourly relations," he said.
Rather than escalating the diplomatic dispute, the Deputy Prime Minister used his statement to reaffirm the long-standing relationship between Kenya and Somalia, describing Kenya as one of Mogadishu's closest partners.
"The Republic of Kenya remains one of the closest and most valued partners of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Over many years, the Government and people of Kenya have supported Somalia during difficult periods," he said.
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He praised Kenya's support in humanitarian assistance, peace and security, refugee hosting and state-building efforts, adding that the two countries share deep historical, cultural and economic ties.
Abdirashid also pledged to continue working to strengthen cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
"I remain committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Kenya. This includes collaboration in security, trade, investment, infrastructure, regional integration, and people-to-people engagement for mutual benefit," he said.
The incident has drawn attention because of Abdirashid's senior position in the Somali government and comes at a time when Kenya and Somalia continue to cooperate on regional security, trade and counter-terrorism despite periodic diplomatic tensions.
According to Kenyan authorities, the Deputy Prime Minister arrived at JKIA on 24 June using a Somali diplomatic passport and visa but was refused entry after immigration officials questioned him over an alleged Kenyan passport. He was later placed on a return flight to Mogadishu.
The Kenyan government has not publicly responded to Abdirashid's latest statement.
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