Bihi lands in Nairobi as Kenya-Somalia relations nosedive

GOOBJOOG NEWS|NAIROBI:     The ongoing diplomatic tiff between Kenya and Somalia took a new twist Sunday with the arrival of Somaliland President Muse Bihi in a clear indication that the two countries may not come to the table sooner close to a month after Mogadishu kicked out ambassador Lucas Tumbo.

Bihi and his entourage were received by cabinet ministers in Nairobi with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noting he will be heading to State House Monday for talks with his host President Uhuru Kenyatta. Bihi’s arrival in Nairobi will no doubt be watched closely by the outgoing leadership of President Mohamed Farmaajo which has had the worst relations with Kenya in recent memory.

Nairobi said Bihi’s visit was the second for a president from the break-away region since president Dahir Kahin’s tour in 2006. Nairobi has for some time maintained close relations with Hargeisa especially in the onset of the maritime case with Somalia and multiple run-ins with the Farmaajo administration.

Though Kenya does not have a diplomatic presence in Somaliland, Bihi’s visit could see the much-touted consular by Nairobi opening in Hargeisa. Kenya will also be looking at exploring new markets in Somaliland, especially for its khat products after Somalia banned them indefinitely.

For Bihi, a visit to Nairobi is a  boost to Somaliland’s quest for regional influence and attention as it seeks international recognition for statehood.

It was, therefore, no coincidence that Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya who hails from the khat growing region of Meru was the senior-most government official who received Bihi. During his tenure as governor of Meru county, Munya pushed for khat market in Somaliland in exchange for ‘recognition’.