Kenya Deports Somalia’s Deputy PM Over Alleged Fraudulent Kenyan Passport
News Updated: 26 June 2026 10:57 EAT
Photo Courtesy.
A diplomatic incident unfolded at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [JKIA] this week after Kenya denied entry to Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, and deported him back to Mogadishu over allegations of a fraudulently obtained Kenyan passport.
According to immigration officials and witnesses, Haji arrived at Terminal 2 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. aboard a Saacid Airline flight from Mogadishu.
He was traveling on a valid Somali diplomatic passport and presented a valid visa during routine clearance. However, officials flagged concerns that he had “fraudulently acquired a Kenyan passport”.
During questioning, Haji is reported to have admitted to possessing the Kenyan travel document but declined to surrender it to authorities, stating he would only produce it before a court of law.
He was held at the VIP lounge in Terminal 2 while agencies processed the matter, and later departed JKIA on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:45 a.m. on a Daallo Airlines flight without incident.
As of publication, Kenyan authorities had not issued a public statement on whether investigations are ongoing.
The case is sensitive because Haji holds one of Somalia’s most senior government positions, and Kenya-Somalia relations are already complex. Both countries work closely on security, trade, and counter-terrorism through AMISOM/AU operations.
Kenya has previously deported Somali officials. In 2016, Somalia protested after two lawmakers and a minister were blocked and returned to Mogadishu. More recently, Oct 2025 reports claimed Kenya revoked passports of Haji and another official amid tensions over Jubaland mediation.
Kenyan officials have flagged a rise in cases of forged Kenyan documents involving foreign nationals, with corruption often cited as a factor. Under Kenya’s Citizenship and Immigration Act, a person can be declared “undesirable” and removed if their presence is deemed contrary to national interest.
No formal statements had been issued by either government by the time of initial reporting. The incident is likely to draw diplomatic attention and may prompt further review of passport issuance and vetting processes.
Tags:
Share this article
