Somali deputy prime minister returns Kenyan passport, cites transparency in public office

Monday August 3, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji has voluntarily returned a Kenyan passport previously issued to him, saying the decision was made to ensure transparency and eliminate any ambiguity surrounding his role as a senior Somali government official.

In a statement released Monday, Haji said the passport was authentic and had been lawfully obtained in accordance with Kenyan laws and procedures. He stressed that returning it was an administrative decision made voluntarily and was not prompted by any request or dispute involving the Kenyan government.

“This step is entirely administrative and was not prompted by any dispute or request from any authority,” Haji said. “Returning the passport reflects my dedication to maintaining absolute clarity in my public role and my steadfast loyalty to Somalia.”

The deputy prime minister also expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government and its people for their longstanding hospitality toward Somalis.

“Their generosity and friendship will always be remembered with respect and gratitude,” he said, adding that he remained committed to strengthening the longstanding ties between Somalia and Kenya.

Haji’s announcement comes days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly ordered cabinet ministers and senior government officials holding Kenyan passports or national identity cards to surrender the documents immediately.

According to government sources, the directive was issued during a Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu on Thursday. Officials affected by the order were instructed to choose between retaining their government positions or keeping their Kenyan citizenship documents.

The issue gained public attention after Haji and State Minister Abshir Bukhaari were denied entry at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when Kenyan immigration officials questioned travel documents they allegedly possessed.

Despite the recent controversy, Somalia and Kenya maintain close diplomatic, security and economic ties, cooperating on counterterrorism efforts, regional stability and cross-border trade.