President Uhuru Kenyatta at a past event. [Photo/edaily.co.ke]
A NASA MP has vowed to rally his counterparts in opposing President Uhuru Kenyatta's unprecedented move to open up borders to Africans.
Lugari legislator Ayub Savula said the directive should be shot down because it has serious implications on national security.
"We cannot open our borders to all and sundry. If criminals kill in their country, they will run for safety here and we can't stop them from killing innocent Kenyans," he said on Saturday.
Speaking during a burial ceremony in his constituency, Savula said the move would strain security and immigration systems as it risks causing influx of foreigners seeking to enter the country.
"Kenya is surrounded by troubled neighbours. Opening the borders will present a logistical nightmare because the security agencies will be required to mount more robust surveillance at all border points," he stated.
ODM chairman John Mbadi, the Suba MP has also opposed the directive timing untimely.
“We need to protect our borders. We are still fighting terrorism and opening our territories will be a wrong move,” he said on Saturday.
In his inauguration speech, Uhuru flung wide open Kenyan borders to all citizens of African states, allowing them to be issued visas upon arrival.
The Head of State also allowed East Africans equal rights as Kenyans, saying they will now freely live, work, marry and own property in Kenya.
"As I welcome you, I remind you that equally you shall be subject to the same rules and laws as your Kenyan brothers and sisters," Uhuru said.