A number of MPs who sneaked into Somalia have spoken out for the first time since their dramatic arrest at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday, March 1.
Speaking outside Parliament Buildings on Monday, March 2 led by Madera Senator Mahamud Maalim, the team claimed that the Kenyan government was to blame in the saga, for reportedly interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbouring country.
Addressing President Uhuru Kenyatta, three of the MPs who were present at the briefing claimed that Kenya was illegally harbouring a criminal- a Jubaland Security Minister, Janan, who had escaped Somali prison and was wanted by the country for trial.
"It is very sad that in the 21st Century, Kenya could allow foreign forces to fight in its midst. Mandera East is the headquarters of Mandera County. It is a month now that forces allied to another country are operating in Mandera East Constituency.
"We have said it day and night. We have even said it to the President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta. We are saddened that Mandera people are now displaced, schools have been closed and many houses destroyed," stated Mandera East MP Hassan Omar.
Among the leaders who attended the event were Omar, Adan Haji (Mandera West), Hassan Kulow (Banisa), Adan Haji (Mandera South) and Maj (Rtd) Bashir Abdullahi of Mandera North.
During the address, the leaders also demanded that the state return the fugitive leader, explaining that the move would end tensions between the two countries.
"You know very well that the security minister of Jubaland was being accommodated by the government through the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF).
"He has been operating here and leading his forces from Mandera and that is why this morning war broke out at 11.30 a.m.," stated Mahamud.
“We demand that this government takes care of our people, in our borders, We also demand that the fugitives bordering 100 be taken back to their country so that they can take their business there, we do not want to be involved in this war anymore. We have been hosting fugitives and we want them taken back to their country," he continued.
The eight MPs hail from Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s Marehan clan were identified as Ahmed Kolosh (Wajir West), Ibrahim Abdi (Lafey), Rashid Kassim (Wajir East), Mohamed Hire (Lagdera), Omar Maalim (Mandera East), Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North).
The legislators reportedly flew to Somalia for a mission in the wake of tensions between Jubaland and Somali National Army troops near the Mandera border.
The eight allegedly departed to Mogadishu aboard Salaamair Air Express Flight WU-751 on Saturday, February 29, at around 11 a.m.
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