Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege has called for the closure of all refugee camps in the country saying they are dens of terrorist sympathizers where youths are radicalized.
The MP said terrorists who radicalize youths seek safe hideouts in these camps, with refugees failing to report them to relevant authorities.
She said the camps have outlived their purposes, and that it was time for refugees to seek asylum in neighbouring countries.
Speaking after issuing education bursaries of Sh.2.3 million at Kenol town yesterday, the legislator said the country had helped the refugees enough and that it was time to shut down that door.
She said the country should rethink their engagement with refugees, terming them “bad neighbours who we should disassociate from.”
“We don’t need Dadaab and other refugee camp in this country because whatever goes on in those camps are secrets. Once terror groups hide in the camps, they radicalize our youth. They have proved to be bad friends and should seek asylum in other countries,” said the MP.
She also called for caution when approaching the question of arming security guards saying guns should be possessed by trained people.
She said the country cannot allow guns to be in the hands of many, and that it is unnecessary to arm guards.
“The policy should be well thought out. If the government finds it necessary, then the guards should be vetted rigorously. They should be well-trained and should be expected to return the guns after work,” she said.
The legislator at the same time opposed calls to withdraw Kenyan troops from Somalia saying it would re-energize the terror groups.
By Muoki Charles
