No qualms over President Kenyatta’s visit to Dhobley-Kenya

Kenya has rubbished claims of a diplomatic row with Somalia following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit to Kenya Defence Forces in the border town of Dhobley Saturday.

President Kenyatta’s spokesman Manoah Esipisu termed the president’s visit as a normal thing aimed at showing support for his troops who are fighting Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

“The President visiting his troops is a normal thing to do and ours has done that. It is important for him to show support to troops who are working to secure our country,” said Esipisu.

Earlier, reports had emerged Mogadishu had expressed displeasure over claims the Kenyan leader had not informed Somalia of his visit.

The spokesman however noted the two countries have established diplomatic channels to handle disputes of that nature.

Said Esipisu, “I am quite sure that if there are by-issues by the other country, then they will be handled through normal diplomatic channels. I am quite sure that we wouldn’t respond to any concerns, if there were any, via press conference.”

President Mohamed Farmaajo is expected to travel to Nairobi this month for the regional body IGAD heads of states summit.