Kenya denies IDs to Somalis amidst diplomatic rift with Somalia
Published: 27/Mar/2021
Source: Horn Observer (Mogadishu)
NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) – Kenya authorities on Friday denied IDs to hundreds of Somali people who lived in Kenya’s coastal region for more than thirty years barely two days after the East Africa nation ordered UN to draft a plan to close two main camps, housing half-a-million refugees.
Addressing Somali immigrants, Lamu county commissioner Irungu Macharia have told the community living in Kiunga town that his government will not issue Kenyan identification documents to them, saying that they will be provided with Alien IDs and nothing more.
“Staying in Kenya for whatever period still doesn’t give you the right to claim Kenyan citizenship. You remain an immigrant and can only be recognised as an alien by law. We can only give you special cards showing you are in Kenya legally. You can’t be given national IDs. Never,” Macharia said.
The official said the registration of all immigrants who have attained the age of 18 is under way.
Read further: https://hornobserver.com/articles/766/Kenya-denies-IDs-to-Somalis-amidst-diplomatic-rift-with-Somalia