Ruto hosts Somaliland leader despite Kenya’s diplomatic concerns
This meeting took place as questions continued to rise over the decision by Somaliland to set up a mission office in Nairobi without Kenya’s official approval.
Just a day after Kenya reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, President William Ruto welcomed Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Irro for talks at State House, Nairobi.
This meeting took place as questions continued to rise over the decision by Somaliland to set up a mission office in Nairobi without Kenya’s official approval.
According to a statement issued by Somaliland’s presidential office, the meeting occurred on Thursday.
Both leaders held discussions that touched on several areas of cooperation.
"His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, had a productive meeting with His Excellency President William Ruto," the statement said.
Their discussions focused on deepening collaboration between the two sides.
They explored how to improve trade, boost investment, develop infrastructure, and expand air travel between Kenya and Somaliland. Education and building stronger public institutions were also key parts of the agenda.
The talks also covered peace and security across the Horn of Africa.
They both agreed on the need to fight violent extremism and promote regional peace.
The meeting also looked into how the youth in both regions can benefit through academic exchange and skills training.
A statement from Hussein Aden Igeh (Deyr), the spokesperson for President Irro, said, "The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relationship between Somaliland and Kenya — a partnership anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity across the region."
Despite this show of friendship, the meeting came at a time when Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had clearly stated that Somaliland’s new diplomatic mission in Nairobi had not been sanctioned.
Kenya maintained that it still recognizes Somalia’s sovereignty, which casts the meeting in a delicate light.
The opening of the Somaliland office on Thursday has stirred debate, as it comes at a time when Kenya is trying to balance its relationship with Somalia while also keeping ties with Somaliland.
Kenya’s diplomatic ties with its neighbors have faced strain recently.
Tensions with Tanzania flared after Kenyan politicians and activists, including Martha Karua and Boniface Mwangi, were detained and sent back while in Dar es Salaam to observe the court case of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
That incident led to a wave of reactions online, causing friction between Nairobi and Dodoma. President Ruto later issued an apology to help calm the situation.
