Muslim clerics in Garissa County now want the government to re-consider the proposed dates for the commencement of repatriation of Somalia refugees.
They say the drive will greatly interfere with the Holy month of Ramadhan.
Led by Garissa Supkem chairperson, Sheikh Salat, the clerics said on July 1 is that date that has since been earmarked by the government to effect the repatriation of refugee lies within the Ramadhan calendar.
“The last ten days of Ramadhan fast are very crucial for the Muslim faithful to receive blessings,” he said.
It is only last week that the government made it official that the first dispatch of refugees would be ferried out of the Dadaab camps to Somalia on Friday this week.
Salat also advised the government to closely consult with the local communities when carrying out the repatriation drive, alleging the area residents feel so much sidelined. He stated that involving local residents in the process would make the exercise smoother and speedy.
He further warned that Garissa might be adversely affected if the drive is not properly conducted and the Somalia returnees fully assured of uninterrupted lives once they are back home.
“We would never wish to see these people (refugees) return to the camps in future because of poor planning in the government's repatriation programme,” Salat added.