Somali State Minister at the Presidency, Abshir Bukhaari, was refused entry into Kenya upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday, July 26, and subsequently deported back to Mogadishu.
Kenyan immigration officials reportedly raised concerns about Bukhaari's travel documents, specifically noting that he was travelling with two passports, including a Kenyan passport believed to have been obtained unlawfully.
According to reports, Kenyan intelligence agencies also suspected that the cash Bukhaari was carrying might be linked to money laundering or terrorism financing.
Allegations and Investigations
Former Somali federal lawmaker Abdillahi Hashi Abib, who was removed from parliament for criticizing the government, alleged that Bukhaari is connected to investigations involving former Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Abib claimed that individuals within Mohamud's inner circle are implicated in fraud schemes based in Minnesota, USA, involving healthcare and daycare programs. He further asserted that proceeds from these schemes were used to purchase real estate in Nairobi to conceal and launder stolen funds.
He added that Kenyan authorities are cooperating with the FBI to identify and pursue those involved, with efforts underway to prevent the transfer of property ownership tied to these illicit funds.
Official Responses
None of the allegations have been officially confirmed by Kenyan, Somali, or American authorities. However, the Somali Guardian reported that Kenya’s ambassador was summoned to provide clarification regarding the deportation of Bukhaari.
