Kenya-Somali Dispute: Farmaajo’s Gamble ahead of the Elections

There been diplomatic spats between Nairobi and Mogadishu before, as the ones in power have either favoured the relations or felt used. The elites in both Republic’s have usually earned coins on the relations. As the cross country trade have been swell and border districts have moved goods. Therefore, the recent escalation is worrying.

Last month it was already getting ugly, when the Kenyan Ambassador went back to Nairobi. After the Somalian government claimed the Kenyan government was interfering in their elections. President Faramaajo have been playing into this narrative and used it ahead of the up-coming elections. Since he gotten friendly with Addis Ababa. He needs a new enemy and currently that Nairobi.

They have already International Court battle over the ownership over certain sea and possible “territory” to drill oil outside their borders. That is a case that is pending and still not settled in the courts. It has been a prolonged dispute. This has however not been the issue for the current spat.

Which is based on the election in Somalia. As the President trying to show his power and his strength ahead of that. That Somalia is cutting its ties. Is now happening because the Kenyan counterparts wanted to show their force as well. They went and had a two day talks with the President of Somaliland Muse Bihi in Nairobi. Also opened up an Consulate for Somaliland in Nairobi and a Kenyan one in Haregeisa. This is in stark contrast to the views of Mogadishu. As the semi-autonomous state and declared independence on the 18th May 1991. Which haven’t been recognized by all states and multi-national organizations. As the Federal Government in Somalia (FGS) will feel these actions made is a betrayal of their sovereign interests. However, that can also be disputed and if they even have a say in Somaliland at all…

This is why this dispute between Mogadishu and Nairobi is happening. Nairobi answered to the attacks and the actions made by Mogadishu. That is why the Kenyan went and made diplomatic efforts with Hargeisa. Just to prove a point. While the Somali elite in Mogadishu and in Nairobi knows it needs Kenyan support. Their army is within their borders. The Kenyan elite is shielding and having a Somali elite in Nairobi. That is why even some Presidential Candidates are campaigning there to get the votes from important figures there. Therefore, this is a futile enterprise.

It is not like the Kenyan will back down now. The FGS in Mogadishu have even ordered for their diplomats to return home within a few days. This means they are clearly shutting down all ordinary means of communication. A neighbour nation who has worked with and is participating in the battle against Al-Shabaab and also harbour the biggest amount of Somali refugees in the Dadaab refugee camp. Therefore, the Kenyan government can make life much worse for Farmaajo, than what he can do to the ones in Nairobi.

This can only be seen as a stunt ahead of the elections. United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) should react to all of this and also IGAD. The AMISOM mission can also loose out on this. As the Kenyan are mandated and are participating in that. So, if this further escalates. The Mogadishu based politicians are playing with fire. While amping up their “sovereign” interests, which is only losing out and weakening themselves. Not like Mogadishu have some friends to call and get things fixed. Even the US is moving their soldiers from Somalia in 2021. They don’t need more weakness in their battle against the Al-Shabaab.

Farmaajo is trying to live up to the hype and show some resilience. In a manner to buy to populist believes ahead of the polls. He needs an enemy and especially an outside one. That is why Kenya is a fitting one. What he maybe didn’t think was that they would invite and entertain Bihi in Nairobi. That must have hurt his pride and therefore, ended in the late night ceasing of ties. This is the reality of it all.

Somaliland is the pawn here. The semi-autonomous state and non-recognized state, which is trying to get vouched for. Right now the importance of Kenya is huge. Especially, that Raila Odinga is speaking of recognition of it. That would spark fury in Mogadishu. This is why the separatists are vocal about it and celebrating the recent events. While Farmaajo should feel shooked. He played high, but didn’t stack his card correctly.

Right now it’s all in the hands of Farmaajo. The “Cheese” have to act now. This will have repercussions and we can wonder how he will play this one out. His the one that gone an election coming up and he got all to loose here. Somaliland and Bihi got what he wanted. Kenya have shown their moves and can easily manoeuvrer from here. It is the leadership of Mogadishu that is loosing out. Peace.

Kenya Human Rights Commission: Wanton Impunity and Exclusion- A report based on Human Rights Violations amid Covid-19 (10.12.2020)

Link to report: file.html (khrc.or.ke)

Hennessey Tales Part III: Sonko’s Final Episode

Governor Mbuvi Gideon Kioko Wam aka Mike Sonko has now been impeached and is awaiting the senate for a further verdict and a final vote. The Nairobi governor is no in real trouble. Not that its new. He has even signed off parts of the local government to Nairobi Metropolitan Services, which the governor did while he was drunk (allegedly).

So, now the man who gave away Hennessey to the citizens in the care-package from the County Government during the lockdown. This man is now in trouble and could be out of office. That vote is scheduled to happen in early 2021. So, he will have Christmas to redeem himself. However, don’t expect that after the Nairobi City County Assembly voted him out.

Not like Governor Sonko haven’t made his own bed. The man who is known for fleeing from prison and having a shady history. Still, he was able to flex and capable to run for office. Surely, the wealth and the suction has given him an edge. However, he played on the edge of a cliff and now his free falling. Not a good look…

Sonko is already questioned for corruption scandals and misuse of office. The man has already acted without good judgement with signing of parts of his local government to the NMS. This was giving way to the State House and making Sonko less relevant in his own county.

The governor of Nairobi could have acted with finesse and better. Nevertheless, his usually showing arrogance and grandeur. Showing of his chains, clothes and bling, but not doing anything useful in office.

Sonko is the wannabe rapper turned governor. The Governor wants so badly to be the centre of the attention. However, that isn’t what his elected to be. His supposed to serve the county and make it better for its citizens. Ensure the government and state organizations are working smoothly and delivering government services. Nevertheless, that has never been important for Sonko.

He rather act like a big-man, talk like a big-man and dance around like a big-man. The Governor will go down in history as a incompetent and corrupt individual. Not that it’s new or shocking. Previous Nairobi governors been that too and they have been charged after their term in office.

Sonko aimed at the sky and aimed at the thone. He went after the ones who is ruling supreme. That wasn’t acceptable and therefore, he had to fall.

It was Sonko’s turn… Governor Sonko better plead to the State House and the inner-circle in the Jubilee Party. However, I doubt that will happen. Sonko better get his load of Hennessey and drink out his sorrow. Peace.

Opinion: Kenyatta there is no free lunch

We thank the officers of the United Nations and all development partners who have been close collaborators but at this juncture I must make it clear that while we appreciate your support and look forward to your collaboration you must remember that Kenya has its owners, and its owners are 50 million Kenyans, I ask you to refrain from trying to direct us in which way we should go. We are clear on where we want to go. We ask you to join us, to support us in that endeavor. But do not interfere because we shall not allow for you to dictate to us which direction that should be” – President Uhuru Kenyatta on the 4th December 2020

The idea that President Kenyatta comes with, I understand the sentiment and the ideal of acting as a sovereign and act as an independent state. As the Head of State … Kenyatta knows this too. The state his running is dependent on donations and aid. That is well known, as well as most of development expenditure is using foreign funds.

That’s why when you receive other people’s money and from foreign organizations. There will be strings attached to that money. The state who receives that money has to comply to a set of rules, regulations and deliver reports on the spending. This is happening because the state took the money and after that they have to prove the value for money.

Someone like Kenyatta should know this. The United Nations, Multi-Nationals and Foreign Donors are not doling the money out without any strings. This means that if the Kenyan state takes the money. They have to comply with the stipulations of the funds or the direction which they were intended to be spent.

If Kenyatta wants the state to be fully independent and sovereign he shouldn’t accept the money. The man shouldn’t even take the grants, donations or the development funds if they are putting strings on his actions.

President Kenyatta shouldn’t be dependent on it then. If you take other people’s money … there will expectations and directions coming with it. Yes, the Kenyan state is sovereign and can self rule. However, when you take funds to cover deficits and create development projects. These funds will steer the conversation, as these monies aren’t given out for F-R-E-E.

So, if Kenyatta doesn’t want to be told how to spend. Then he should add his own state revenue and tax-base so that he doesn’t have act out like this.

President Kenyatta there is no free lunch. You expect that money grow on trees and just get dropped in your hands. That’s not happening… Kenyatta, better buckle up and smell the coffee. Since, the reality is that the state can grow on its own. However, then you should stop the dependency of foreign donors. If you want to steer the ship without anyone telling you the direction. Peace.

Kenya: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – The Federal Republic of Somalia Decision to Send Kenya’s Ambassador to Nairobi for Consultation (30.11.2020)

Kenya: Kongamano La Mageuzi (KLM) – Statement on the Staet of the Nation (29.11.2020)

Kenya: Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) National Secretariat – Press Statement (30.11.2020)

Opinion: Kenyatta speaks good game, but it is all talk…

For a man that has been the President since March 2013 in Kenya. You would think he would think more clearer about his words and what message he sends across. Because, it is not like this Kenyan President since 2013 have delivered any significant development, except for a huge White Elephant named the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

That is why it’s amazing to see that President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks of development and how its ought to look like. The man has had the time and the ability to deliver some if he cared. However, the President has been caught up in a web of corruption and loan-drives, which has enveloped into a dark spiral of fiscal responsibility. Also doing this in such a manner, that the Kenyan government will struggle with the debt burden created with very little too none to show for it.

Just read the words from the President:

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, November 25, 2020 – President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta urged African governments to put their citizens at the centre of delivering service during Africa Delivery Exchange 2020, a virtual event that opened Tuesday” (…) ““Our people know and understand what development ought to look like and what benefits it should bring to their social-economic wellbeing. Therefore, any failure to quickly address the missing middle within the development paradigm could create a deficiency of trust between the electorate and those in positions of leadership,” Kenyatta said” (African Development Bank Group (AfDB) – ‘Africans “know and understand what development ought to look like,” says President Uhuru Kenyatta’ 25.11.2020, APO Group – Africa Newsroom).

It is like Kenyatta knows the rights things to say and do. However, his own track record is abysmal. The man haven’t done anything. Nothing substantial. His legacy will be grand-corruption and a Presidential Handshake. The forged and rubbish Building Bridges Initiative, which is only for the elites to eat more and not for the general public to get a better government.

President Kenyatta knows this. He used the Cambridge Analytica to spread his messages to the masses. To secure the elections and rig it in favour of him. Odinga saved him with the handshake and bought him time. This way he could work in peace and without any real opposition. That is why Kenyatta doesn’t have to deliver anything. Since there is nobody to outplay or outperform. The opposition is compromised by the BBI and he can do whatever he feels.

The Jubilee Coalition and the Jubilee Party have been a winner for him. It has given the man time. However, he has not delivered any development or the “big four” or anything else he has promised to do. If he has delivered anything in his time … its more debt and interest rates on the next administration.

President Kenyatta can talk big game, but his only talk. This man is not about implementing it or making it happening himself. He has spent all these years in office and not delivered. It will not change now in his second term. That is just not happening. This is why the BBI is such a big thing. Because, the President got nothing else… nothing else and it will not do magic. It is a forced referendum and not the trick to solve all the issues at the present time. Peace.

Kenya: National Police Service – Director of Criminal Investigations – Press Release (24.11.2020)

Kenya: CS Ukur Yatani – National Treasury & Planning – Media Report on G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (20.11.2020)