Kenya–Somalia relations have long been influenced by a small but powerful group of Kenyan-Somali elites. While the broader Kenyan public remains largely disconnected from Somali politics, figures like Gen. Mahmoud Mohamed, Yusuf Hajji, and Aden Duale have historically played a central role in shaping Kenya’s policy toward Somalia. From the failed Azania buffer zone project to support for Ahmed Madoobe’s Ras Kamboni brigade, these maneuvers reveal how clan interests and personal networks often trump national strategies. The intervention in Somalia in 2011, catalyzed by kidnappings in Lamu and Dadaab, marked a turning point. Kenya’s military presence deepened, but diplomatic tensions intensified under Somalia’s President Farmaajo. His centralization efforts clashed with Kenya-backed Jubaland leaders, leading to severed diplomatic ties and border tensions.