Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has come out to state that the government did not greenlight Somaliland to inaugurate its mission office in Nairobi.
In a statement on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reshared a démarche dated Monday, May 26, 2025, which barred the event.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs captioned the new statement, “Reaffirming the position of the Government of Kenya.”
What was the position?
In an earlier communique, which was issued hours before the arrival of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the launch of the liaison office did not enjoy the imprimatur of Kenya.
“The Ministry further notes with concern that to the extent the event of May 27 has not been approved by this Ministry, its investiture of the status of a Diplomatic Office does not enjoy the imprimatur of the Republic of Kenya and cannot be allowed to proceed,” a statement issued on Monday evening May 26, 2025, read in part.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia as the sole legitimate authority over all Somali territory.
The launch
Despite the warning, Somaliland proceeded to launch the office in an event graced by their de facto leader and other officials from Kenya.
Mohamed Barawani, Somaliland Representative to Kenya and Head of Mission, confirmed the launch in a statement where he appreciated President Abdullahi.
“It was great honor and pleasure to welcome Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, the President of the Republic of Somaliland on the occasion of opening our new premises of the Somaliland Mission in Kenya,” his statement read in part.
