Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, has announced the voluntary surrender of his Kenyan passport, framing the move as an administrative decision aimed at ensuring full transparency and accountability in public office.
Clarifying that the travel document was authentic, legally acquired, and issued in full compliance with relevant procedures, Haji emphasized that his decision was not prompted by any dispute or official request from Kenyan authorities.
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Somalia over border control and immigration protocols. Recent reports indicated that Kenyan immigration authorities had turned away several Somali government officials at entry points, following intensified scrutiny into foreign officials holding Kenyan passports.
The diplomatic dynamic was also a key topic during a bilateral engagement between Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali on the margins of the 49th African Union Executive Council session in Addis Ababa, where both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in migration management, consular affairs, and cross-border mobility.
Reaffirming his profound respect for Kenya’s institutions and its citizens, Deputy Prime Minister Haji expressed gratitude for Kenya’s longstanding hospitality towards Somalis. He reiterated that his primary allegiance remains with the Federal Republic of Somalia, noting that relinquishing the document reinforces his unwavering commitment to his official duties and the diplomatic ties between both nations.
