Kenya Deports Somali Deputy Prime Minister Over Passport Allegations

The high-profile incident unfolded on Wednesday evening when Jibril Abdirashid Haji arrived in the country from Mogadishu. Immigration authorities at the busy Nairobi hub took decisive action after discovering what they believed to be irregularities in his travel documents, leading to his prompt return home and sparking concerns about potential diplomatic fallout.

Upon landing on a Saacid Airlines flight, the Somali official presented a valid diplomatic passport from his home country along with the necessary entry visa. However, officials flagged him for allegedly carrying a Kenyan passport obtained through questionable means. Haji reportedly admitted to possessing the document but refused to hand it over, insisting any issues should be resolved through legal channels rather than immediate airport proceedings. This standoff resulted in his temporary detention in the VIP lounge while further checks were conducted.

Senior immigration teams eventually escorted the Deputy Prime Minister onto a Daallo Airlines flight back to Mogadishu early on June 25, ensuring he departed without further complications. A police report confirmed the smooth exit at around 6:45 a.m., with no major incidents noted during the process. As of now, neither the Kenyan nor Somali governments have released formal statements on the matter, though sources within Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have acknowledged the deportation took place.

The case has drawn attention to broader worries within Kenyan authorities about a growing trend of foreign nationals securing local passports through corrupt channels. Investigations into how the document was acquired are continuing, highlighting ongoing efforts to tighten border security and document verification processes. In the country, this development serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in regional diplomacy while protecting national integrity.