Kenya is seemingly pushing the limits of its already turbulent relations with Somalia.
The neighbouring country is accusing Kenya of harbouring Jubaland security minister, Abdirashid Janan Hassan Abdinur, currently a fugitive of the law.
Janan orchestrated his escape from a Mogadishu prison on January 28, 2020, after almost 5 months in incarceration following his arrest on Aug 31, 2019, and made his way to the border town of Mandera.
The situation has escalated tension in Mandera Town with a report published by the Daily Nation on Sunday, February 9, indicating that there was information that troops from the Somali National Army were planning to storm the hotel where Janan is reportedly hiding.
The publication reports that the state of events has caused increasing fear among those living at the border with many opting to seek refuge in relatives' home in other areas of the town.
Speaking to the Daily Nation, Hussein Abdow, a resident of Mandera expressed fears harboured by many residents.
“We are not sure of what will happen but one thing I know is that in case the Somalia forces cross into Mandera, many innocent people will lose their lives."
Omar Maalim, Mandera East MP asked the national government to either kick Janan out of Mandera or hand him over to the Somali government.
“I don’t know how our government is benefitting from protecting a wanted criminal. Let the criminal be arrested and handed over or be kicked out of Mandera town for peace to prevail."
Janan is suspected of several crimes including international human rights violations, massacres of innocent civilians and, most recently, illegally escaping government custody.
A report from Hiiran Online quoting the Somali Police Force provided that good relations between the two countries would be jeopardised if Kenya would not give him up.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia places great importance on maintaining good relations with its neighbouring countries and the harbouring of a dangerous fugitive could seriously jeorpadise the good relations that has so far existed between Kenya and Somalia."
How Kenya comes into all this is that Janan, after his Shawshank-inspired escape on Jan 28, 2020 entered Kenya through Bulahawa and came into Mandera.
The minister has allegedly been in Kenya since then, first going to Nairobi before moving to a hotel in Mandera on Tuesday 6, February.
A Daily Nation report dated Saturday, February 8, indicates that Kenyan agencies have since taken over his security.
Somalia is not amused by this move by Kenyan authorities to not only harbour Janan, but to offer him protection as well.
The country considers the action as interference with its internal affairs.
Amnesty International (AI) on February 5, joined Somalia and the international community in demanding that Kenya hand over Janan.
In a statement, AI decried the apparent decision by the Kenyan government highlighting the length of time the victims of his alleged crimes have had to wait for justice.
“The Kenyan authorities must immediately arrest and hand him over to the Federal Government of Somalia, who should conduct his trial in a manner that meets international fair trial standards, without any further delays.
"Victims of his alleged crimes have waited patiently for justice and their hopes must not be frustrated," stated Seif Magango, Amnesty International’s deputy director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.
