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.

A high-level coalition led by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched a unified enforcement strategy targeting hate speech and ethnic incitement ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning political leaders of direct prosecution.

The joint declaration came hours after the arrest of Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia, following the circulation of a video containing controversial remarks targeting supporters of President William Ruto. The arrest brought sharp focus to the state’s renewed stance against inflammatory political rhetoric.

The multi-agency task force comprising the NCIC, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), National Police Service (NPS), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Office of the

Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), and Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) expressed concern over a dangerous surge in divisive political discourse both online and at public rallies.

In a joint statement, the agencies warned that unchecked incitement and ethnic contempt directly threaten national cohesion and could compromise preparations for the 2027 polls.

To ensure swift action, the coalition announced the establishment of a High-Level Multi-Agency Steering Committee, supported by a Technical Operations Committee, to streamline intelligence sharing, investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement against politically motivated offenses.

The agencies stressed that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred that constitutes ethnic incitement or discrimination. Political parties, candidates, elected leaders, and supporters found guilty of electoral violence or incitement face severe penalties, ranging from criminal prosecution to disqualification under election and political parties’ laws.

Addressing political leaders directly, the coalition called for restraint and responsible leadership, emphasizing that public discourse must prioritize peace, issue-based campaigns, and national stability over divisive rhetoric.

In a major policy address during a hosting of over 5,000 Friends Church (Quakers) faithful at State House, Nairobi on Monday, President William Ruto outlined a bold trajectory to transform Kenya from a lower-middle-income nation into an upper-middle-income economy, urging the country to unite behind a long-term, constitutionally anchored development roadmap.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside faith-based organizations to drive social and economic progress across the nation, stating, “We continue to enhance our partnership with religious institutions in the delivery of quality healthcare, education, and community support.”

Recognizing the vital role faith organizations play in community development and essential service delivery, the administration seeks to deepen these alliances to reach vulnerable populations across all counties.

Reflecting on global economic shifts over the past six decades, the President highlighted that Kenya possesses all the necessary fundamentals to achieve high-income status.

In the early 1960s, Kenya was economically comparable to nations like South Korea and ahead of China. Today, both countries stand as global economic powerhouses. The President emphasized that Kenya can replicate this success by fostering national confidence in local potential and maintaining long-term economic discipline.

To safeguard long-term economic growth from political volatility, the President reiterated the importance of the newly proposed National Development Charter. The charter is envisioned to be anchored directly into the Constitution of Kenya, ensuring that national development priorities remain consistent regardless of changes in administration or political transitions.

This constitutional protection aims to maintain policy continuity, boost investor confidence, and establish a binding commitment to development across successive governments.

Concluding with a strong appeal for national unity, the President invited all stakeholders, civil society, and citizens to participate in shaping the country’s collective future: “We must therefore now come together, discuss, agree, and plan for our country’s destiny. This is an all-inclusive plan that will sustainably drive Kenya towards a first-world economy.”