Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji formally surrendered his Kenyan citizenship documents on August 3, 2026, in a move aligning with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent directive. The order requires federal cabinet members holding Kenyan passports to renounce them or resign from their government posts.
During a ceremony in Mogadishu, Haji handed over his Kenyan passport, birth certificate, and national ID card to Kenya’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Elias Bar Shil. This marks the first public instance of a Somali federal cabinet member complying with the president’s demand.
Voluntary Surrender and Statement
Haji emphasized that the decision was voluntary and administrative, clarifying that his Kenyan passport was legitimately obtained. He stated: “This step is entirely administrative and was not prompted by any dispute or request from any authority.” He expressed his gratitude towards Kenya for its hospitality and reiterated his commitment to Somalia’s government and bilateral relations.
Context of the Directive
The president’s directive comes amid heightened scrutiny by Kenyan authorities regarding Kenyan passports held by Somali officials. Haji himself was recently deported from Kenya due to questions about his Kenyan citizenship status.
Kenya’s Immigration Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, affirmed that passports are issued strictly to qualified citizens under Kenyan law. The issue has prompted discussions between Nairobi and Mogadishu to enhance cooperation on immigration, travel documentation, and border management.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Recent meetings between Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali at the African Union Executive Council have focused on improving consular services and cross-border movement.
Haji’s compliance underscores Somalia’s efforts to clarify the nationality status of its officials while maintaining strong ties with Kenya, where many Somalis reside and conduct business.
