Kenya Defense Forces troops stamped their authorities in Jubbaland on Thursday, with no incident reported during the controversial regional presidential polls.
Kismayo Airport remained closed as Kenya troops monitored the situation, following protest by Ethiopia and federal government of Somalia following re-election of Sheikh Ahmed Madobe.
Through Foreign Affairs ministry, President Uhuru Kenyatta hailed the people of Jubbaland for peaceful polls. He lauded Madobe's, a close ally in fight against Al-Shabaab, for emphatic victory.
"The government and the people of the republic of Kenya take this opportunity to congratulate President Ahmed Madobe for his re-election as president of Jubbaland, a member state of Somalia.
"Kenya shares with great people of Jubbaland for peaceful electoral process, a demonstration of strong and unwavering will of the people to determine their governance and guarantee their security and political stability," read the statement.
Amid controversy, regional parliament elected Madobe for the second term, garnering 56 votes out of the possible 74. His closest rival Mohamed Dahir scored 17.
"Jubaland regional leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam known as “Ahmed Madobe” wins re-election in a regional parliamentary vote."Ahmed Madobe was declared winner in 1st round after receiving 56 votes, more than two-third of the 74 MPs who voted; Anab Mohamed Dahir got 17 votes," tweeted Harun Maruf, VOA journalist.
Jubbaland, Somalia's most stable state, plays critical role in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Madobe, through his Ras Kamboni Brigade, helped Kenya to liberate Kismayo in 2012.
But despite the good gesture from Nairobi, Somalia President Mohammed Farmaajo, through the interior ministry, dismissed the outcome of the polls, terming it fraudulent.
The federal government said it will not recognise results from “self-appointed” elections in Kismayo on Thursday.
It stated that the process followed was not inline with electoral process set out by the Ministry of Interior, Federal and Reconciliation.
Earlier, pro-opposition Parliament in Jubaland “elected” Abdirashid Mohamed Hiddig as regional leader. Reports say 59 out of 75 MPs voted for Hiddig who is also a member of the federal Parliament of Somalia.