Raila meets Somaliland's President Irro in Nairobi

ODM leader Raila Odinga hosted Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Monday at his Nairobi residence.

In a statement, the spokesperson for the Somaliland President, Hussein Aden Igeh, said the meeting focused on  improving bilateral ties in various sectors, including peace and security, education, cultural exchange, and other areas.

The two leaders also shared views on the fast-changing geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa, calling for African-led solutions and inclusive development.

“This encounter was a profound reaffirmation of the enduring friendship, mutual respect, and shared democratic values that have long bound Somaliland and Kenya,” the Somaliland Presidency said.

President Irro praised Odinga for his support of Somaliland’s democratic journey and its pursuit of international recognition.

“The President extended his heartfelt gratitude for Odinga’s unwavering moral leadership and steadfast solidarity with the people of Somaliland. He lauded Odinga’s enduring commitment to justice, dignity, and the pursuit of self-determination, which has elevated the voice of Somaliland on the continental and global stages,” said Igeh.

Odinga, a key power broker in East Africa, has never shied away from publicly backing Somaliland's sovereignty, often urging the African Union to confront the political reality in the Horn of Africa.

“The AU needs to wake up to the reality that it is not going to be possible again to bring these two countries together and recognise them as one,” he famously declared in 2020. “Somaliland is a reality the world has to live with.”

The visit followed the opening of a Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi last week, despite Kenya's earlier opposition.

President Irro held a private meeting with President Ruto last week, where the two reportedly discussed bilateral cooperation in education, peace and security, economic integration, and governance.

While Ruto’s office has not issued a formal statement, the meeting signaled Kenya’s support with Somaliland amid rising regional dynamics.