A Somali legislator has accused Kenyan authorities of arresting and deporting a prominent Somali political figure allegedly connected to a major Minnesota healthcare fraud case.

Abdillahi Hashi Abib, a member of Somalia’s House of the People and Foreign Affairs Committee, made the claim on 27 July 2026. Representing Gabileh District in Awdal State, Abib is known for his critical stance against corruption within Somali institutions.

According to Abib, Kenyan intelligence apprehended a senior government insider who entered Kenya using two passports, one reportedly obtained illegally. The individual was said to be carrying a bag of cash suspected to be linked to money laundering and misappropriated US taxpayer funds.

Abib described this as the second such deportation of a Somali official in less than a month, tying the actions to the ongoing Minnesota fraud investigations. He stated, "Kenya is finally delivering on its U.S. agreement: rooting out HSM officials who defrauded American taxpayers and parked the loot in Nairobi real estate." He added that some Somali political figures were seeking legal help in Kenya to alter property ownership records amid rising panic.

Background on Minnesota Fraud Cases

In May 2026, the US Department of Justice announced charges against 15 defendants involved in Medicaid fraud schemes exceeding $90 million. These cases represent the largest such prosecutions in Minnesota, targeting fraudulent claims in childcare, healthcare, and housing support programs.

Authorities allege that some defendants acquired multiple properties and luxury goods using illicit funds, hiding ownership to evade detection. The schemes included false claims related to autism intervention programs and other state-funded services.

Despite Abib’s assertions, neither Kenyan authorities nor US agencies, including the FBI and Department of Justice, have confirmed the arrest or deportation of any Somali official in connection with these cases.

Ongoing Investigations and Cooperation

Kenya and the United States maintain a collaborative relationship on security and anti-money laundering efforts, but formal evidence and statements are pending regarding Abib’s claims. The Minnesota fraud takedown is part of a broader federal initiative to combat healthcare and benefits fraud nationwide.

As investigations continue, officials emphasise the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.