Nairobi (KAAB TV) – The Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Noor “Madobe”, held an important meeting in Nairobi with Moses M. Wetang’ula, Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between the two neighboring nations and within the broader East African region.
During the meeting, Speaker Wetang’ula congratulated Madobe on his recent election as Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Parliamentary Speakers’ Forum. He emphasized that Madobe’s new regional leadership role reflects Somalia’s growing influence within East Africa, especially following its accession to the EAC.
Wetang’ula also commended Somalia for successfully electing its representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), noting that Somalia’s participation strengthens the unity and diversity of the regional bloc.
For his part, Speaker Madobe extended heartfelt condolences to his Kenyan counterpart on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, acknowledging Odinga’s long-standing contributions to Kenya’s political landscape.
Madobe also thanked Kenya for its continued support in fostering strong bilateral ties and promoting peace and stability in the region.
Madobe further invited Speaker Wetang’ula to attend the EAC Speakers’ Conference, which Somalia is preparing to host in May 2026. The event is expected to bring together parliamentary leaders from across the region to discuss cooperation, legislative harmonization, and regional integration.
One of the key topics discussed was the establishment of a Kenya–Somalia Parliamentary Friendship Committee, an initiative aimed at strengthening legislative collaboration between the two countries.
The proposed committee would facilitate experience-sharing between lawmakers, promote joint parliamentary programs, and reinforce cooperation on matters such as legislation, oversight, and regional development.
The two Speakers also addressed challenges Somalia is currently facing at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) involving a dispute over the swearing-in of its nine elected EALA representatives.
Some Somali parliamentarians have contested the nominations, claiming that the process did not reflect adequate transparency or political inclusiveness. Speaker Madobe requested Kenya’s support in ensuring a fair and timely resolution to the issue so Somalia can fully participate in EALA activities.
The meeting was attended by key Somali officials, including Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulle (Jaabiri), Secretary-General of the House of the People; Ambassador Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya; and Yusuf Hassan Isaaq, Director-General at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
This high-level engagement underscores the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy between Somalia and Kenya. It also highlights Somalia’s increasing commitment to regional integration as the country takes on a more active role within the East African Community.