Isahakia clan pushes for state recognition after decades of marginalisation

Members of the Isahakia clan during a meeting in Nairobi. [David Gichuru, Standard]

The Isahakia clan of the Somali community has urged the government to formally recognise them as Kenyan citizens, saying years of exclusion and unresolved land disputes have left many members living as squatters despite their historical ties to the country.

Speaking during a dinner event in Nairobi, clan leaders said many families were evicted from their ancestral lands in Naivasha and other areas, stalling their progress and denying them opportunities enjoyed by other Kenyans.

They argued that while their ancestors arrived in Kenya in the 1880s and contributed to the fight for independence, the community continues to face barriers to land ownership, education and economic opportunities.

"We are not asking for favours. We are asking for what is rightfully ours as Kenyans who have helped build this nation," said Mohammed Hussein Diriye, the Isahakia clan leader, adding that many young people in the community are growing up without a sense of belonging due to a lack of documentation and land rights.

The event also featured the launch of a documentary on the history of the Isahakia, which Diriye said aims to preserve their elders' legacy while pushing for national inclusion and justice for the community.