By HAN News Desk
NAIROBI — A Kenyan lawmaker has strongly criticised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks and actions targeting Somali Americans, describing them as part of a wider campaign aimed at intimidating and marginalising the community.
Mohamed Adow, a Member of Parliament representing South Wajir, said Trump’s comments went far beyond conventional immigration policy and amounted to “deliberate targeting” of Somali American families who have long established roots in the United States.
Adow warned that when political leaders “fail to provide solutions,” they often resort to tactics that ignite fear and division. “When leaders are unable to solve real problems, they set fires and fuel fear,” he said, arguing that Trump’s rhetoric is designed to inflame tensions rather than address any substantive policy issue.
The MP added that the current hostility directed towards Somali Americans could easily spread to other immigrant groups. “What is happening to Somali Americans today will happen to others tomorrow,” he cautioned, urging communities to stand in solidarity against discriminatory political messages.
His remarks come amid growing backlash to Trump’s latest statements, in which he described Somali Americans as “trash,” accused them of not working, and claimed they should not be allowed to remain in the United States. The comments have triggered widespread criticism from civil rights groups, immigration advocates and community leaders who say the remarks are dangerous and could incite further harassment and profiling.
The controversy also coincides with reports of stepped-up immigration enforcement operations in states with large Somali populations. Community groups fear that Trump’s language, coupled with enforcement actions, could deepen anxiety among vulnerable immigrant families.
Adow called on U.S. authorities and international partners to condemn rhetoric that dehumanises communities, warning that such language has historically paved the way for discrimination and violence.
