The decision by the government to commence official closure of the largest refugee camp in Kenya, Dadaab has been hailed by Kisii county Deputy governor Joash Maangi.
Dadaab camp which is situated in Lagdera region in Garissa is home to thousands of Somali refugees some of whom have stayed in the country for over two decades.
Mr Maangi on Wednesday said the move will bring stability in the troubled North Eastern region arguing that most terrorists sneaked into the country masquerading as refugees.
“I think the government should have closed the refugee camp as early as yesterday despite the international bureaucracies that should be followed,” he said when asked by the reporter.
“Refugee camps such as Dadaab have been harboring terrorists masquerading as refugees and we all know that. Safety in our country should be put as a primary need than the plight of the refugees," said Maangi.
"We have been witnessing terrorist attacks and most likely these people originate from Dadaab because it has been their escape route,” he said.
Maangi defended his remarks saying the African Union had played a key role in bring stability to the horn of Africa nation and challenged the refugees to accept the decision and go rebuild their nation.
“African countries especially Kenya has played a key role in bringing peace in Somalia. Time has come for Somali refugees to go back home and rebuild their nation," said Maangi.
"It needs them and they can no longer run away from it. The al Shabaab threat has been neutralised,” he said.
However, Kakuma camp which hosts most refugees from South Sudan has not been affected by the government plans.