Senators clashed on Thursday over the country’s foreign policy towards Somalia and the conduct of the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS), Abraham Singoei.
The controversy stemmed from a social media exchange between Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and PS Singoei over Kingi’s description of Somaliland as a republic and his assertion of Kenya’s long-standing ties with the region.
While some senators condemned Dr. Singoei for publicly chiding the speaker and demanded his summons to the house, others defended his actions, highlighting the need for professionalism in sensitive diplomatic matters.
Several senators, including Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot and Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, accused Singoei of having selective amnesia and breaching the civil service code of conduct by engaging in casual social media diplomacy.
They demanded his appearance before the house to explain his actions and to apologize to the speaker.
They argued that Kingi’s meeting with the head of the Somaliland Liason Office in Nairobi was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and that Singoei’s immediate public correction undermined the Senate’s authority.
The debate also touched upon Kenya’s foreign policy towards Somaliland, with some senators questioning the official stance of recognizing only the Federal Republic of Somalia.
They argued that Kenya could benefit from closer ties with Somaliland, citing its strategic location and economic potential.
However, other senators cautioned against deviating from the established policy, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and the African Union.
The discussion on Somaliland led to broader questions regarding Kenya’s approach to diplomatic relations with other African nations.
While a majority of senators supported establishing an embassy in Morocco, they acknowledged the complexities surrounding the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which Morocco claims as its own.
They emphasized the need for a balanced approach that upholds Kenya’s commitment to regional peace and stability while upholding its foreign policy principles.
The Senate’s debate on Somaliland and Singoei’s conduct highlight the complexities of navigating sensitive diplomatic issues in today’s world.
While the senators remain divided on particular aspects, the open discussion underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established protocols in the realm of foreign relations.
The outcome of the debate and any potential actions against Singoei remain to be seen. However, the incident has undoubtedly opened a window for deeper discussions about Kenya’s foreign policy and its role in shaping the future of the region.
