We won't retaliate against Somalia, says Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya will use diplomatic means to solve the current impasse with Somalia, government spokesperson Col [Rtd] Cyrus Oguna said, hours after Mogadishu announced that it had cut ties with Nairobi, over "persistent interference of our internal politics".

The government, Oguna noted, will set up a team to seek a diplomatic solution between Kenya and Somalia. The two countries have been having hot and cold relationships but the most recent seems to have gotten out of control, leading to Somalia's stern actions.

Somalia's Information Minister Osman Abukar Dubbe said Kenya was constantly "in violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity". Kenya's envoys in Somalia were given seven days to vacate from the country, with the minister insisting that the decision was "irreversible".

But while addressing the media on Tuesday, Oguna said the Kenyan government will not follow the same route taken by Somalia. He called for a diplomatic solution to the impasse which threatens to paralyze activities within the two neighboring nations.

“We are a higher nation, we cannot do the same thing Somalia has done. If we do so it will look like revenge hence, we will let the IGAD and Comesa take control of it,” Oguna said.

Oguna spoke on Tuesday at KICC, Nairobi, while briefing the nation on locusts’ infestation situation, among other issues affecting the nation. Ministry of Foreign affairs told the Star that Kenya had not received any official communication from Somalia about cutting its diplomatic ties.

The decision by Somalia comes amid the trip of Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi to Nairobi. The region declared self-independence in 1991 but it's yet to be recognized, and in recent years, it has improved ties with Kenya, further causing anxiety in Mogadishu.

President Uhuru Kenyatta even welcomed the Somaliland President Muse Bihi on Monday at State House, Nairobi, where they discussed the bilateral trade between the two sides.

The Somaliland president also met with the AU convoy Raila Odinga where they discussed security and development issues.

He said that payment of the healthcare workers employed by the Ministry of Health under the Universal Health Coverage [UHC] program, and those on short term contracts following the Covid-19 pandemic has been addressed.

GAROWE ONLINE