ODM criticises plan to shut refugee camps

The Opposition has criticised the Government's decision to close down Daadab and Kakuma refugee camps.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) yesterday said forcible repatriation of Somali refugees to their war-torn country would not solve terrorism threats in Kenya.

On Friday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the international community had failed to offer financial support to sustain the refugees at the camps thus pushing the Government to close the two camps.

In a statement, Suna East MP and ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohammed expressed his "utter shock at the announcement".

While citing Western countries like France and the United State which have been hit by terrorists in the recent past, Mohammed said terrorism is a global challenge and cannot be blamed on the refugees.

But the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee in the National Assembly has backed the Government's move to close down refugee camps in the country, citing insecurity.

Committee chairman Ndung'u Gethenji said the international community had failed to support Kenya in handling refugee crisis.