Deputy President Kithure Kindiki travelled to Uganda on Friday morning to represent Kenya at the Second Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), where regional leaders are expected to discuss the future of the peace mission and security in the Horn of Africa.
Kindiki left the country aboard a Kenya Air Force aircraft and was seen off by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya before flying to Entebbe.
The meeting has brought together heads of state, senior government officials from troop-contributing countries and representatives of regional blocs to assess the current security situation in Somalia and explore the next steps for the mission.
The summit is expected to focus on several key issues, including the financing of AUSSOM operations and ways to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring stability in Somalia. The discussions come at a time when militia activities in Somalia have increased, raising fresh concerns about security across the Horn of Africa and the need for continued regional cooperation.
Photo Courtesy:
Images shared on Kindiki’s social media accounts showed him arriving at the airbase accompanied by senior government officials before boarding the Kenya Air Force aircraft. The photos highlighted the official nature of the visit as Kenya continues to play a role in regional peace and security initiatives.
His trip comes amid growing political discussions back home following reports that some administrative functions previously linked to the Office of the Deputy President had been transferred to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The reports have triggered widespread debate over possible changes within government, although neither State House nor the Office of the Deputy President has issued an official statement confirming or denying the claims.
Kindiki has dismissed the reports as “Fake News” but has not provided further details. His response has done little to slow speculation, with political observers continuing to discuss the possible implications of the reports as the country’s political landscape evolves.
The Deputy President’s visit to Uganda also comes as conversations continue over political realignments ahead of the next General Election. There has also been speculation regarding President William Ruto’s choice of running mate in the upcoming polls, with Kindiki’s position attracting public attention. However, despite the ongoing political debate, the Deputy President has continued carrying out his official responsibilities.
In recent months, Kindiki has remained active in government work by overseeing development programmes, taking part in security engagements and representing Kenya in regional meetings. His participation in the AUSSOM summit is part of those official duties as the government continues to engage with neighbouring countries on matters affecting regional peace and stability.
The summit is also expected to review the progress made by AUSSOM since it took over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Leaders are expected to examine the achievements of the mission, the challenges it continues to face and the measures needed to support Somalia as it works towards strengthening its security institutions.
The meeting has gained added importance following a decision by the United States to end its financial and logistical support for both AUSSOM and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) after December 31, 2026. President Donald Trump’s administration said the decision was based on Somalia’s slow progress in implementing security sector reforms.
The announcement has prompted renewed discussions among African Union member states on how the Somalia mission will continue operating in the future.
