Kiyiapi Opposes Closure of Dadaab Refugee Camp

Speaking in Trans Mara during the burial of his mother Naomi Kiperu Kiyiapi, the former Education minister termed the government’s move to close the camp as an overreaction, saying other means should be explored in the war against terror.

“I do not agree that closing Dadaab is a solution to addressing our security issues. The issue is not about this blanket actions but having a plan in term of security,” he said.

Ole Kiyiapi also urged the government to explain to the country what the Kenya Defence Forces’ agenda in Somalia is, noting that there is need to re-evaluate the approach taken in the fight against terrorism.

ACT ON INTELLIGENCE

He also accused the government of failing to act on intelligence reports that had been issued earlier which could have helped avert the Garissa attack.

Ole Kiyiapi’s remarks are in opposition to Deputy President William Ruto’s declaration that the Dadaab camp, which has been perceived as a breeding ground for terror activities, will be closed within the next three months.

In his statement, Ruto said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had three months to close the camp and make alternative arrangement for its residents, failure to which Kenya would take up the initiative to relocate the refugees.

Ole Kiyiapi’s mother, Mama Naomi Kiperu Kiyiapi, was laid to rest at her home in Osupuko village at Trans Mara in Narok County.

By Benjamin Wafula