MPs fault Ruto on plan to shut Dadaab camp
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- “The country needs to find a lasting solution to the terrorist problem. Refugees should be allowed to engage in income-generating activities and be integrated after living in a host country for a certain period,” said Mr Neto, adding that the caucus would push for proper legislation on the matter.
- Addressing a press conference at Whitesands Beach Hotel in Mombasa, the four said Mr Ruto’s statement was “an arbitrary roadside chest-thumping declaration”, which he should rescind.
- At the same time, leaders from the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christians Churches of Kenya have supported Mr Ruto for asking the United Nations to close down the Dadaab refugee camp.
The Parliamentary Caucus on Human Rights Sunday opposed Deputy President William Ruto’s order to close the Dadaab Refugee Camp in three months.
Members of the caucus — MPs John Waiganjo (Ol Jorok), Aghostinho Neto (Ndhiwa), Stephen Mule (Matungulu), Ken Okoth (Kibra) and Kakamega Woman Representative Rachel Ameso — termed the order unconstitutional. They said the directive goes against international treaties to which Kenya is a signatory.
Addressing a press conference at Whitesands Beach Hotel in Mombasa, the four said Mr Ruto’s statement was “an arbitrary roadside chest-thumping declaration”, which he should rescind.
Mr Neto and his four colleagues said although they support the government’s efforts to fight terrorism and insecurity, closing the camp would be illegal.
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“The country needs to find a lasting solution to the terrorist problem. Refugees should be allowed to engage in income-generating activities and be integrated after living in a host country for a certain period,” said Mr Neto, adding that the caucus would push for proper legislation on the matter.
In Changamwe, Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho and Mvita MP Abdullswamad Nassir also opposed the plan to close the camp while Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli supported the Deputy President.
At the same time, leaders from the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christians Churches of Kenya have supported Mr Ruto for asking the United Nations to close down the Dadaab refugee camp.
National Chairman Nicholas Olumasai and Secretary-General James Kamata said the refugee camps in north eastern Kenya were being used as hideouts by terrorists.
“Kenya can’t continue providing shelter to refugees from Somalia and bear the brunt of attacks by Al-Shabaab,” said Bishop Olumasai.
