Islamic Leader in Somalia Surrenders to Kenyan Police

NAIROBI, Kenya — A leader of Somalia's ousted Islamic movement seen by America as a moderate who could help prevent widespread insurgency there has surrendered to Kenyan authorities, officials said yesterday.

Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, described by an American diplomat as someone who could play a role in reconciling Somali factions, crossed into Kenya on Sunday and went to a police station along the border. He was then flown to Nairobi, according to a police report seen

The report said Kenyan authorities were protecting Mr. Ahmed, who apparently feared for his life in Somalia where the remnants of his Council of Islamic Courts are being hunted by Ethiopian and Somali government forces. It was not immediately clear whether he faced possible deportation and imprisonment in Somalia.

America said it was not involved in protecting Ahmed.

"The U.S. government is not holding or interrogating Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed and was not involved in his capture or surrender," a U.S. Embassy official said.

The official, who was not authorized to talk to the press, spoke on condition of anonymity.

American Ambassador Michael Ranneberger has repeatedly said Mr. Ahmed is a moderate Islamic leader who should be part of a national reconciliation process in Somalia.