Security situation in the neighbouring Horn of Africa nation Somalia deteriorated on Wednesday, barely 48 hours after authorities in Nairobi turned away three government officials at JKIA over Visa.
Kenya has raised concerns about raising Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia, forcing a major security crackdown on passengers arriving from Mogadishu. The officials were reportedly turned away due to the fact that they did not have visas.
Those denied entry are junior Minister of Water and Energy Osman Libah and legislators Ilyas Ali Hassan and Zamzam Dahir.
"The Kenyan authorities at the airport informed these guys that such plan has changed, and now everyone has to obtain visa from Kenya’s Mission in Mogadishu," a senior Somali official in the delegation, but who travelled on a foreign passport, told the Nation on Monday night.
"The officials learnt this change upon arrival as there was no prior communication regarding this."
And on Wednesday, a Member of Parliament was reportedly among those wounded near a security checkpoint, raising doubts about Somalia's ability to contain Al-Shabaab militants, who have threatened peace and security in the country for decades now.
Voice of America journalist Harun Maruf said the morning explosion left several fatalities with an MP also nursing serious wounds. A suicide bomber was targeting security officers. Al-Shabaab have taken responsibility.
"Suspected car bomb explosion near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Mogadishu, source. Early reports suggest it may have been attempting to target a security checkpoint," he tweeted.
The Inside Al-Shabaab author added: "There are fatalities following suicide car bomb explosion near a checkpoint in central Mogadishu. A Somali MP is among the wounded. The Al-Shabaab militant group claimed responsibility."
Foreign Affairs minister Monica Juma on Tuesday admitted turning away Somalia officials for lack of Visas. During the press conference, Juma also downplayed claims that Kenya had sent Somali elders from Mandera to negotiate with Al-Shabaab militants over release of two Cuban doctors.
There were reports that the militants had demanded Sh150 million ransom from the elders. The doctors are said to be held within Jubaland in Gedo region. Security breakdown has exposed Somalia, forcing Kenya to monitor her borders with the country.
All planes from Mogadishu are directed to land at Wajir airport for frisking before proceeding to Nairobi following government order. KDF soldiers are also in Somalia enjoined with AMISOM forces.
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