The Kenyan government through the Immigration Directorate has responded to devastating allegations made by a Nigerian citizen, claiming that he was mistreated at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Michael Ernest had claimed on Twitter that he was subjected to discrimination and criminalised on account of his Nigerian nationality, as he was on his way to Maputo via Kenya.
The Nigerian national appeared to suggest that he had been criminally profiled because of his nationality.
Responding to the claims, the immigration directorate denied the discrimination and criminalisation allegations.
The immigration agency said Michael was in the company of a Rwandan and was asked to produce his onward ticket, as a matter of procedure and not because he was a Nigerian.
“Possession of an onward/return ticket is a standard requirement for all passengers either to be allowed entry or departure to a third country where they are not nationals or residents.
"We wish to state that Michael was not singled out because of his nationality neither was he called a criminal. We affirm our commitment to ensuring smooth entry and exit for all persons at our borders within the confinement of our laws and without prejudice or discrimination, " the directorate of immigration services said in a statement.