Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Renounces Kenyan Citizenship After Airport Dispute

Somalia's Second Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, has formally renounced his Kenyan citizenship after Kenyan authorities denied him entry in June over questions surrounding his citizenship documents. Haji returned his Kenyan passport to the Kenyan Embassy in Mogadishu, saying he chose to identify solely as a Somali official while maintaining that his Kenyan citizenship had been legally obtained. He emphasised that the decision was not directed against Kenya, praising the country's long-standing support for Somalis and reaffirming the close ties between the two neighbouring nations.

Somalia's Second Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, has formally renounced his Kenyan citizenship, bringing to an end more than two decades of dual nationality following a diplomatic dispute over his travel documents.
Haji surrendered his Kenyan passport and related citizenship documents to officials at the Kenyan Embassy in Mogadishu on Monday, 3 August 2026.
The documents were handed to Kenya's Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Elias Barre Shill, during an official visit to the embassy.

DECISION FOLLOWS AIRPORT INCIDENT

The move comes weeks after Kenyan immigration authorities denied Haji entry into the country during a visit in June.
According to Kenyan officials, Haji arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) using a Somali diplomatic passport alongside a valid Kenyan visa.
However, immigration officers questioned the legitimacy of his Kenyan citizenship documents and subsequently returned him to Mogadishu.
The incident sparked diplomatic discussions between the two neighbouring countries and attracted significant public attention across the Horn of Africa.

HAJI DEFENDS HIS CITIZENSHIP

Speaking after returning his Kenyan documents, Haji rejected suggestions that his Kenyan citizenship had been obtained fraudulently.
He maintained that he had legally held Kenyan citizenship for many years but had decided to relinquish it in light of the recent developments.
"I have decided today to return the Kenyan citizenship I have held and formally relinquish it," he said.
"This decision comes in response to the circumstances that have recently emerged and the challenges facing our people."

KENYA REMAINS A CLOSE PARTNER

Despite the dispute, Haji stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as hostility toward Kenya.
He described Kenya as a close friend and brotherly nation that has maintained deep historical, economic and social ties with Somalia.
The deputy prime minister acknowledged Kenya's long-standing support for Somali refugees, businesses, students and traders over several decades.
He also praised Kenya's contribution to regional security through the deployment of Kenyan troops under African Union and international peacekeeping missions in Somalia.
"Kenya and its people remain our brothers and our friends," he said.

CHOOSING SOMALI IDENTITY

Haji explained that, as Somalia's deputy prime minister, he had chosen to move forward solely with his Somali nationality.
He confirmed that he would continue travelling using a Somali diplomatic passport and expressed confidence in Somalia's national travel documents.
He also encouraged Somali citizens who have experienced travel difficulties abroad, particularly at JKIA, to remain proud of their nationality.
"I understand the concerns and difficulties that some citizens have experienced," he said.
"But I encourage Somalis to have confidence in their citizenship and to proudly rely on their Somali passport."

A SENSITIVE ISSUE IN THE HORN OF AFRICA

The case has highlighted the complex issue of dual nationality among senior officials in the Horn of Africa, where decades of conflict have led many citizens to acquire second citizenships while living abroad.
Kenya hosts one of the world's largest Somali diaspora communities and has historically provided refuge for hundreds of thousands of Somalis fleeing conflict and instability.
Although relations between the two countries have occasionally been strained over border, security and diplomatic issues, they continue to cooperate closely on trade, regional security and efforts to combat extremist groups operating in East Africa.
Analysts say Haji's decision is unlikely to alter the broader relationship between Somalia and Kenya but could influence future discussions on citizenship, immigration and diplomatic protocol involving senior government officials.