Two Somali MPs Briefly Detained in Nairobi by Unidentified Individuals

Nairobi, (IDNE, News Desk) — Two members of the Somalia Federal Parliament, who were briefly detained by unidentified individuals in Nairobi this evening, have now been released, according to parliamentary sources cited by independent journalist Abdalle Mumin.

Ahmed Abdi Kooshin, representing Somaliland, and Hassan Abdinur, from Southwest State, along with a third member of parliament, Ali Mahdi Qalato from Puntland, were leaving a hotel in a Nairobi suburb when they were intercepted by men in a vehicle resembling those used by Kenyan security agents. While Mr. Qalato managed to escape, Kooshin and Abdinur were held in the vehicle for about an hour before being released.

Parliamentary sources indicate that the MPs are part of a group working on a motion to impeach Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The brief detention appears to be related to their involvement in this impeachment effort.

Reliable sources have confirmed that the two MPs were harassed by individuals believed to be Kenyan security officers. This incident is thought to be directly connected to their opposition to the Somali Prime Minister.

The politicians have been outspoken critics of the Somali government’s performance, particularly highlighting alleged mismanagement of government resources.

Eyewitnesses report that MPs Hassan Abdinur and Ahmed Abdi Kooshin were stopped and subjected to intense questioning and intimidation tactics by the security officers, who aimed to discourage their political activities and silence their dissenting voices. Though they have since been released, the incident underscores the volatile nature of Somali politics and the lengths to which some parties may go to suppress opposition.

𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆 contributed this report.