Leaders from Kenya’s North Eastern region, led by Farah Maalim (Dadaab), have strongly condemned the remarks of the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting ethnic profiling and misinformation against Somali-owned businesses.
In a press briefing, Maalim said the comments had fuelled what he described as rising Somaliphobia and posed a serious threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.
“We strongly condemn the reckless and unacceptable statements by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which have taken Somaliphobia to an alarming level,’’ Maalim said.
“His attacks on Somali-owned businesses are borne out of jealousy, envy, and hatred. They amount to ethnic profiling, misinformation, and deliberate attempts to divide Kenyans.’’
In a joint statement, the leaders defended the Somali community’s long-standing role in Kenya’s economy, noting that Somali traders have conducted business with other communities from the colonial period to the present, forming some of the most trusted and resilient commercial partnerships in the country.
“The Somali community has conducted businesses with other communities from the colonial period to date, forming one of the most trusted and resilient commercial partnerships in Kenya,’’ he added.
“It is therefore irresponsible and dangerous for any leader to try and create enmity between communities that have coexisted and prospered together for generations.’’
The lawmakers firmly said that the claims linking Business Bay Square (BBS Mall) to alleged fraud in Minnesota, which the leaders dismissed as false and misleading.
“The attempt to link BBS Mall to alleged Minnesota fraud is entirely false. BBS Mall is the result of years of hard work, careful planning, and legal, transparent investment by its owners. The owners are globally respected businessmen,’’ Maalim affirmed.
The MPs said that the structure was mooted a long time ago, before President Ruto took the reigns of power for the country.
‘’This business was mooted long before President William Samoei Ruto came to power. The project took over nine years to complete and has created jobs, contributed to government revenue, and supported local communities. This magnificent mall has elevated Kenya to new global and international heights,’’ Maalim said.
The leaders also rejected claims that their silence on the issue amounted to fear, insisting they would continue to speak out against divisive and politically motivated attacks, accusing Gachagua of acting out of bitterness following his impeachment.
“Our silence should not be taken for fear. The Somali community is not anyone’s quest in Kenya, and we will not shy away from defending them against reckless and divisive utterances. Rigathi Gachagua is smarting from the impeachment and remains bitter,’’ Maalim said.
Adow Aden Mohammed (Wajir South), on his part, said that Gachagua is dehumanising the Somali community.
“What Rigathi Gachagua is doing to the Somali community is dehumanisation, and we will call it by its name. We need him to cease. The Somali community is operating legal businesses in this country. Hard-working entrepreneurs who are obeying the laws,” Mohammed said.
Yusuf Hassan Abdi (Kamukunji) affirmed that Somalis are law-abiding citizens, saying, ”The overwhelming majority of Somalis in Kenya are law-abiding, peace-loving citizens who have lived in harmony with other communities. They hold no grudge or hatred against any community in our country, and we live peacefully with all our compatriots. We can no longer ignore the systematic and sustained ill-advised and unjustified attacks targeting the whole community.”
