NAIROBI, Kenya — Somalia Deputy PM Deported: A severe diplomatic crisis is brewing between Nairobi and Mogadishu after Kenyan immigration authorities abruptly executed the forced return of Jibril Abdirashid Haji from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The unprecedented move has shocked regional observers and threatens to dismantle critical political and security ties between the two neighboring nations.
The unprecedented move, which took place following a tense standoff at JKIA’s Terminal 2, has shocked regional observers and threatens to dismantle critical political and security ties between the two neighboring nations.
The Terminal 2 Standoff
According to official police incident reports, the senior Somali official arrived in Nairobi from Mogadishu aboard Saacid Airline Flight X20680, traveling on a valid Somali diplomatic passport and an approved Kenyan visa.
However, trouble began during routine border clearance when immigration officers flagged the Deputy Prime Minister, suspecting him of having fraudulently acquired a Kenyan passport.
During subsequent interrogation by security officials, Mr. Haji reportedly admitted to possessing a Kenyan passport but vehemently refused to hand it over to airport authorities, declaring that he would “only produce it in a court of law.”
Forced Deportation
Following his refusal to surrender the documents, security agencies detained the Deputy Prime Minister in the JKIA VIP lounge. He was denied entry into the country, and immigration officials swiftly booked him onto a morning Daallo Airlines flight, forcing his return to Mogadishu.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi has remained tight-lipped regarding the deportation, but insiders confirm that emergency meetings are already underway. The incident is highly unusual given that the two nations are key partners in regional integration and counter-terrorism operations.
As Mogadishu prepares an official response, analysts warn this explosive breach of diplomatic protocol could spark severe retaliatory measures and freeze bilateral relations. newsportal.co.ke
