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Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Umulkher Harun on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, condemned the discrimination targeting residents from Kenya's North-Eastern regions, particularly those of Somali origin. Speaking to a local TV station, MP Harun emphasised that Kenyan-Somalis are not obligated to prove their identity to anyone.

She drew a parallel with the Maasai community, who reside in both Kenya and Tanzania, noting that they are rarely subjected to questions about their nationality. “We come from a community that has been sidelined for a long time. We have communities that also come from the borders. Do you ever hear a Maasai saying, ‘I am a Kenyan Maasai’? They are found in Kenya and Tanzania, just as the Somalis are found in Djibouti and Ethiopia. Why do we have to identify ourselves as Kenyan Somalis? As a Kenyan, I don’t have to prove my identity to anybody,” Harun stated.

Context

The Kenyan-Somali community has historically faced significant challenges regarding their identity and belonging within Kenya. Decades of institutional discrimination, economic neglect, and security operations have contributed to a sense of marginalisation. This discrimination is historically linked to Kenya's involvement in the Shifta war in the 1960s, which aimed to annex Kenya's northeastern region to 'Greater Somalia'. During this period, and in subsequent years, Kenyan Somalis were often conflated with Somali refugees and targeted in security crackdowns.

In the past, Kenyan Somalis have been required to carry special identification cards to prove their citizenship, a requirement not imposed on other ethnic groups. This practice has contributed to difficulties in obtaining identification papers and has fueled societal and official discrimination.

Law/Policy

While Kenya's constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, the practical application of these rights for Kenyan-Somalis has been inconsistent. The government has, at various times, implemented policies that have been perceived as discriminatory, particularly in the context of national security operations. For instance, operations like 'Usalama Watch' have been criticised for disproportionately targeting individuals of Somali descent.

Stakeholders

• Nominated MP Umulkher Harun: A vocal advocate for the rights of the Kenyan-Somali community, challenging discriminatory practices and calling for equal treatment.
• Kenyan-Somali Community: The primary affected group, experiencing social, economic, and political marginalisation.
• Kenyan Government and Security Agencies: Responsible for upholding constitutional rights and ensuring non-discriminatory law enforcement.
• Human Rights Organisations: These organisations have historically documented and condemned the discrimination faced by Somalis in Kenya, highlighting issues such as arbitrary arrests, detention, and difficulties in obtaining identification.

Evidence/Data

• The Maasai are a Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting northern, central, and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
• The Maasai speak the Maa language, and most also speak Swahili and English.
• The Maasai population in Kenya was reported as 1,189,522 in the 2019 census.
• Historical reports indicate that discrimination against Somalis was a major concern in Kenya as early as 1991, with members of the ethnic group being required to carry specific identification to prove their citizenship.
• A 2013 Al Jazeera documentary highlighted the experiences of Kenyan-Somalis facing fear and discrimination, particularly in areas like Eastleigh, Nairobi, where police operations often did not differentiate between Kenyan citizens and refugees.

Risks/Implications

Continued stigmatisation and discrimination risk further alienating the Kenyan-Somali community, potentially undermining national cohesion and trust in state institutions. It could also exacerbate existing socio-economic disparities and hinder efforts towards inclusive development in the North-Eastern regions.

Unknowns

The specific policy changes or government responses anticipated following MP Harun's condemnation remain unclear. The long-term impact of such advocacy on public perception and policy implementation is yet to be seen.

Timeline

• 1960s: Shifta War and initial institutional discrimination against Kenyan Somalis.
• 1989: Nationwide screening of ethnic Somalis, requiring them to carry separate pink identity cards.
• 1991: U.S. State Department Country Reports on Human Rights Practices highlight discrimination against Somalis as a major concern.
• 2013: Al Jazeera documentary details ongoing discrimination and harassment of Kenyan-Somalis.
• October 1, 2025: MP Umulkher Harun publicly condemns the stigmatisation of the Kenyan-Somali community.

What to Watch

Observe potential parliamentary debates or government statements addressing MP Harun's concerns. Monitor any shifts in public discourse or policy implementation regarding identity verification and anti-discrimination measures for the Kenyan-Somali community.

Related

Discussions around national identity, minority rights, and the integration of border communities within Kenya.