Somalia PM seeks answer over arrest

Somalia Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has demanded a formal explanation from Kenya for the arrest of his country’s consul in Nairobi last week.

Mr Ahmed has also warned against harassment and detention of innocent Somalia nationals living in Kenya.

The PM’s intervention could escalate a diplomatic wedge between Mogadishu and Nairobi that resulted from a disagreement over the handling of the ongoing security operation in settlements dominated by people of Somali origins.

Hundreds of Somalian leaders, including top government officials and MPs have homes in Nairobi.

“The Somali Government also seeks an official response from the Kenyan Government on the arrest of the Somali Consul to Kenya, Siyad Mohamud Shire, which is a serious violation of diplomatic immunity,” the PM said in a statement.

“The Somali Government has been in constant communication with the Kenyan Government on these detentions and would like to see the government of Kenya make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent Somali citizens.”

Mr Ahmed said some of his country’s citizens being held at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi had played a major role in building Kenya’s economy and deserve fair treatment.

“Both our governments share the same security concerns,” said the leader, “but the continued detention of innocent Somalis only serves to create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust that will result in dividing our communities.”

Kenya’s ambassador to Somalia Josephat Maikara Monday told the Nation that Mr Shire, who had been detained at Kilimani Police Station on Friday, was released immediately after he was identified.