Uhuru Warns Somalia Against Provoking Kenya

President Kenyatta has warned Somalia to stop provoking Kenya following its recent actions.

This follows Monday’s incident where troops from the Federal Government of Somalia and Jubbaland forces engaged in a fierce shootout in Mandera town, Kenya, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

In a statement on Wednesday after Kenyatta chaired a National Security Council (NSC) meeting, State House said Somalia must stop such provocations, terming the incident as a breach of Kenya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“The National Security Council noted with concern the violations of Kenya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by the Somalia National Army on Monday the 2nd March 2020; where the foreign soldiers in flagrant breach and total disregard of international laws and conventions engaged in aggressive and belligerent activities by harassing and destroying properties of Kenyan citizens living in the border town of Mandera,” reads the statement.

“This action amounts to an unwarranted attack by foreign soldiers with the intention of provoking Kenya. In keeping with our long-standing and distinguished tradition in peacekeeping and peacebuilding in the region and beyond and in particular – in Somalia; Kenya acted with total restraint.”

“We, therefore, urge the Federal Government of Somalia, to cease and desist from the unwarranted provocations and focus on managing its internal affairs for the welfare of her people; defeating terrorism; and advancing the cause of peace, security, and stability in the region.”

State House also dismissed as baseless allegations made by Somalia’s UN envoy Amb. Abukar Dahir Osman in New York on February 27th, where he accused Kenya of meddling in Somalia’s domestic politics.

“The baseless accusations and invalid allegations made by the Federal Government of Somalia that Kenya is interfering with Somalia’s internal affairs; are part of a growing and persistent pattern of ill intent to use Kenya as a scapegoat and a tool to justify challenges in Somalia for political reasons. Kenya will not accept to be used in that manner,” State House stated.

“Indeed, we encourage the Federal Government of Somalia to stop the smear campaign and commit the energy to deliver leadership and prosperity to its people.”