We will deport you, Makonde told
Registrar of Persons officials record details of the Makonde and Pemba people at the Kinondo chief’s office in Kwale County on February 17, 2015. PHOTO | BRIAN WACHIRA |
What you need to know:
- Stateless communities vetted for citizenship.
- Administrator says those who don’t wish to become Kenyans will be sent away.
Makonde and Pemba people from Mozambique and Tanzania who do not want to become Kenyans will be sent back to their countries of origin.
The warning was made on Thursday by Msambweni Sub-County Commissioner Mwangangi Mwania, following reports that some of the people boycotted registration for Kenyan IDs.
WOULD NOT BE FORCED
Speaking during the official launch of the registration at Mwalubemba Polytechnic in Ukunda, Mr Mwania said those who do not want the IDs would not be forced to acquire them.
“I heard that there are some that do not want to be registered as Kenyans. There is nothing wrong with that, but they must come forward and arrangements will be made to deport them,” he said.
Mr Mwania said the vetting committee would disqualify those with links or relatives in their countries of origin.
“We want to deal with people who are stateless, therefore, we do not expect to see someone asking for help yet he/she has a foreign passport,” he said.
Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya said he was happy that the people would now be recognised as Kenyans.
“I would like to assure you that my government fully supports this registration and we are going to fight tooth and nail until you get your rights,” he said.
“These people do not know any other place than Kinondo, Ramisi and Kwale. It would be one of the greatest injustices if we suddenly asked them to go back where they came from,” he said.
The Makonde came to Kenya from Mozambique while the Pemba came from Tanzania more than two decades ago.
They earn a living working on the sisal plantations and through fishing.
