20 refugees 'held by Kenya Red Cross' in Migori

Twenty refugees from Burundi are being held under the watch of the Kenya Red Cross society in Migori.

During a spot-check by Standard on Thursday, the 20, including adults and children, were being detained waiting to be transferred to Kakuma.

When the Standard sought an interview with Red Cross, we were refered to the region officer who was not willing to speak to the media.

Kenya Red Cross communication manager Peter Abwao said the organisation receives refugees on behalf of the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugee and Refugee Affair Secretariat.

Migori County police commander Joseph Nthenge said he is unaware of any refugees being held in the county.

Migori Governor Okoth Obado addressed the press at his Migori home, where he said there will be a county raid to flush out refugees.

“Currently we have more than 20 refugees camping at the Red Cross office. They come in through Tanzania and through Migori County headed to Kakuma," Obado said.

The county chief said in a month the Red Cross office receives an average of 300 refugees from Burundi and other countries.

 “As we approach Census we ask relevant authorities not to allow the foreigners in."

He appealed to security agencies to ensure the Kenyan borders are properly monitored.

Governor Obado said during the last Census some illegal immigrants may have been counted.