President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday sent a strong message to federal government of Somalia under Mohamed Farmaajo, insisting the need to recognize Jubaland government.
President Farmaajo has refused to recognize Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, arguing that he was imposed on the people by Kenya through KDF.
The rift saw Madobe's inauguration delayed only to take place on Saturday despite flight ban on Kismayo Airport. Kenya was represented by Majority Leader Aden Duale.
Further, Farmaajo's administration has summoned Kenya's ambassador to Somalia Lucas Tumbo following the airspace violation which saw a Kenyan aircraft landing in Kismayo without clearance.
“Jubbaland is the buffer for the whole of East African region and Kenya congratulates President Madobe for being in the forefront in the fight against terrorism,” Duale said as he relayed Uhuru's message.
“Of course we will continue to work closely alongside the Federal government so as to forge a formidable front against the menace of terrorism and state building efforts.”
Sheikh Madobe has been instrumental in Kenya's fight against Al-Shabaab militants. In 2012, his Ras Kamboni Brigade helped KDF capture Kismayo from Al-Shabaab.
Uhuru's latest gesture could further escalate differences with Farmaajo given that the two nations are already wrangling over Indian Ocean maritime border at ICJ.
MPs in the entourage were Senate Deputy Majority leader Fatuma Dullo and senators Yusuf Haji (Garissa) and Samuel Poghisio (West Pokot), Members of the National Assembly Included Charles Kilonzo (Yatta), Dado Rasso (Saku), Yusuf Abdi Hassan (Kamukunji), Mohamed Kolosh (Wajir West), Sophia Abdi (Ijara) and Mohamud Sheikh (Wajir South).
“Kenya’s interest in Jubbaland is underpinned by our national security and that of the East African region,” added the Garissa Town MP.