Kenya denies imposing leadership on Jubaland

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi (left) and Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo at the National Defence College, Nairob

FACTS
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

• Ahmed Mohamed Islam was declared President of Jubaland regional administration on May 15
• Former Somali Minister of Defence Barre Adam Shire Hirale was also declared President by a separate group of elders
• Later, Somalia President blamed Kenya for supporting the new administration at an AU meeting in Addis Ababa

The Kenya military has denied that they helped the newly elected President of Jubaland State rise to power.

Chief of General Staff Julius Karangi Thursday said that the decision to elect Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam alias Madobewas made by the people of Jubaland.

He said Kenya would remain neutral in the political process, but maintained a keen interest in Somali’s peace and stability.

Gen Karangi said allegations that Kenya was imposing leadership in Jubaland in a bid to deter terror activities from Somalia were unfounded.

He was reacting to protests from Mogadishu leaders who claim the military was imposing leadership in the region. The Somali government called the election of Madobe ‘unilateral’ and ‘unconstitutional’, with its President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud indirectly criticizing the Kenya military for not treating well a government committee sent to Kismayu.

Mr Madobe has fought against Al-Shabaab insurgents for over two years from Dhobley on the Kenya-Somali border, to Afmadhow, Ras Kamboni, Biibi, Hosingow, Buale, Tabda, Jillib, Oddo, Fafadun, Beles Qooqani, Amuma, Afgoye, Dinsoor and Baradheere alongside the Kenya Defence Forces and the Somali National Army.

Gen Karangi also said Kenyan troops liberated Kismayu single-handedly and now control over 300,000 square kilometres.

He added that since the troops were now under Amisom, it was not known when they would be redeployed. “We are under the African Union and we will leave there if and when ordered to do so. I cannot say when the Kenyan troops will withdraw,” he added.

Gen Karangi was speaking during a graduation ceremony at the National Defence College in Karen, Nairobi.

The graduation was presided over by Ministry of Defence Cabinet secretary Raychelle Omamo. Forty one senior officers and civil servants from Botswana, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania graduated.

Kenya’s hope to have an ally rule regions bordering its northern territories suffered a setback after Igad decided to back the Somali government that vehemently opposes the newly formed Jubaland administration.