As the looming closure of the world's biggest refugee camp continues to draw varied opinions from different quotas, a section of civil societies continues to term the anticipated closure of the camp as a pure violation of Kenya’s supreme law.
The government cites security concerns, environmental degradation and funding gaps as the reasons behind the decision to immediately close Dadaab Refugee Camp.
Remarks made by Deputy President William Ruto during the just ended World Humanitarian Summit in Instanbul, Turkey, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering decision to close the camp. This is despite talks between President Kenyatta and UN Security Council envoys last week on Friday.
In his remarks, Ruto said, "Repatriation of refugees should not be perceived as punishment but should be seen in the broader context of giving them a chance to go and reconstruct their country."
Home to over 300,000 refugees, mostly of Somali origin, Dadaab is said to be a planning ground for terror attacks against Kenyan people and a base for smuggling weapons from neighbouring Somalia.
The Garissa and Westgate attacks are said to have been orchestrated in the Dadaab Refugee Camp too.