NAIROBI, Kenya (Horn Observer)- Thousands of Somalis have been warned of violent protests ahead of the much-awaited verdict by the International Court of Justice on the maritime case between Kenya and Somalia.
Shakul who is also a member of the Eastleigh chamber of commerce warned against any celebratory action ahead of ICJ verdict over Sonalia-Kenya maritime border dispute.

"The fear was sparked by reports that some Somalis in Eastleigh would be celebrating if the Somali maritime case is delivered while there are others who oppose it," said Sheikh Mohamed Shakul.


Sheikh Shakul expressed concern that the protests could be carried out by gangs or hundreds of people in the Mathare slum near the Somali neighbourhood of Eastleigh.

"Certainly, we must be wary of any reaction to the court's decision in terms of life and property. There are gangs in Eastleigh's slums who can take advantage of any unrest, as well as abuse our women, or burning houses. Even the police can loot people we do not trust, ” Shakul said.

Similar echoed by Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) which called on Somalis to refrain from any action that could lead confilct of communities.

"I ask the Somali nationals not to be excited just in case the ruling goes against Kenya. This might lead to unnecessary tension in the country they have called home for decades,” Supkem's Northeastern regional coordinator Adan Yunis said.

The Court will be delivering its verdict as from 4pm local time. The court concluded hearings last October with Somalia alone participating in the oral hearings after Kenya pulled out citing bias.

Somalia, which lies northeast of Kenya, wants to extend its maritime frontier with Kenya along the line of the land border, in a south-easterly direction.

The disputed triangle of water stretches over an area of more than 100,000 square kilometers (40,000 square miles).