MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji has denied reports that he was denied entry and deported from Kenya on June 24, dismissing the claims as “false, baseless and unsupported by fact.”
In a statement released on Monday, Haji rejected allegations circulating on social media that linked him to activities undermining Kenya’s security and sovereignty.
“At no time did I engage in any activity aimed at undermining the security, sovereignty, stability or territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya or the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he said.
Haji said he had always carried out his official duties with respect for the rule of law, regional peace and good neighbourly relations.
He described Kenya as one of Somalia’s closest and most valued partners, praising Nairobi’s longstanding support for Somalia through humanitarian assistance, regional security efforts, economic cooperation and state-building initiatives.
The deputy prime minister also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas including security, trade, investment, infrastructure and regional integration.
He urged the public and the media to refrain from spreading unverified information.
The statement followed reports alleging that Kenyan authorities had deported Haji over security concerns and accusations that he possessed fraudulently acquired Kenyan travel documents. Kenyan authorities have not publicly commented on the claims.
