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12/04/1973 — Somali Republic purchased the 2.5 acres embassy property in Spring Valley on a 50-year leasehold for KHS 550,000/US$30,454 (worth $178,600.36 in 2020)
16/08/1994 — Then Somali Republic Ambassador to Kenya, Ahmed Sheikh Mohamud sold the property
to Suleiman Rahemtulla Omar and wife Zarina Suleiman Omar as joint tenants for KSH 15,000,000/US$ 821,000 (US$ 1,442,500 in 2020 value).
to Suleiman Rahemtulla Omar and wife Zarina Suleiman Omar as joint tenants for KSH 15,000,000/US$ 821,000 (US$ 1,442,500 in 2020 value).
Then Kenyan foreign minister, Kalonzo Musyoka gave the final approval of the sale citing 'Kenya has no diplomatic relations with Somalia and does not recognise the existence of the Somalia Embassy and its former diplomats in Kenya [...] following the collapse of the Government.'
24/05/1995 — Diplomat Muse Hersi Fahiye and Amb Mohamed Omar filed a plaint challenging the sale of the property. Co-plaintiff, Amb Omar passed away the same year.
The case would drag on until 07/12/2010 when the Kenyan High Court delivered a final judgement in Somalia's favour. Ambassador Mohamed Osman Adan witnessed the verdict https://www.bbc.com/somali/war/2010/12/101207_somali_embassy
7/11/2015 - Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid, Ambassador Jamal Hassan, and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islan 'Madobe' laid the foundation stone to kickstart the rehabilitation of the property.
16/11/2020 - Embassy building signed for official use.
Thanks to Diplomat Muse Hersi Fahiye, Amb Mohamed Omar (RIP) and the countless of diplomats, Somali diaspora members in Kenya, journalists, and activists who spent time, resources and energy to reclaim this national asset. They deserve national recognition of the highest order.
