Somalia Expels Kenyan Diplomat Over Alleged Election Meddling in Jubaland
Somalia orders Kenya’s deputy ambassador to leave Mogadishu within 48 hours, accusing Nairobi of funding opposition candidates ahead of Jubaland’s November 2025 presidential election.
Diplomatic Crisis Erupts in Horn of Africa
MOGADISHU — Somalia declared Kenya’s Deputy Ambassador, Lucas Tumbo, persona non grata on October 24, 2025, giving him 48 hours to leave the country. The move follows allegations that Kenyan intelligence operatives funneled $2.1 million to anti-government candidates in Jubaland’s upcoming regional election.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement claiming intercepted communications showed Kenyan agents coordinating with Jubaland opposition leader Ahmed Madobe’s rivals. Kenya has categorically denied the charges, calling them “baseless and inflammatory.”
“We have irrefutable evidence of foreign interference in our internal affairs. Kenya must respect Somalia’s sovereignty,” said Somali Foreign Minister Abdirahman Duale Beyle in a televised address.
Jubaland: The Flashpoint
Jubaland, a semi-autonomous region bordering Kenya, has long been a source of friction. Kenya maintains a significant military presence in Kismayo under ATMIS and views the region as a buffer against Al-Shabaab.
Incumbent President Ahmed Madobe, a close Kenyan ally, faces a strong challenge from former warlord Mohamed Islam “Gure.” Somali federal officials in Mogadishu accuse Kenya of propping up Madobe to secure trade routes and counter Ethiopian influence.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded swiftly:
“These accusations are a distraction from Somalia’s own governance failures. Kenya supports peace and stability in Jubaland—not regime change,” said Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei.
Regional Repercussions
The expulsion threatens to derail joint security operations. Kenyan troops in ATMIS Sector 2 have paused joint patrols with Somali forces in Lower Juba, citing “security concerns.”
The African Union expressed alarm, with Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urging both nations to “exercise maximum restraint.” IGAD has scheduled an emergency summit in Djibouti next week.
Meanwhile, traders in Kenya’s North Eastern region report delays at the Liboi border as Somali authorities impose new checks on Kenyan-registered vehicles.
As the November 8 election approaches, Jubaland remains on edge—with fears that political meddling could ignite clan-based violence.
