- MPs from refugee hosting communities faults immigration PS Amb. Prof Julius Bitok over nepotism
- Led by Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, the legislators wants hosting community to represent workers forming UNHCR
- They also accuses UNHCR for subjecting refugees into inhumane and harsh conditions
Members of Parliament hosting refugee communities have accused Permananent Secretary for Immigration Amb. Prof Julius Bitok over nepotism regarding the recent recruitment of employees working at UNHCR in refugee camps
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday 29th November, the MPs led by Dadaab legislator Farah Maalim alleged that Bitok employed five of his family members out of sixty commissioners
“This is unacceptable, we demand the PS be sent home for going against the spirit of constitutionalism, how can you pick five family members to represent refugees affairs and you don’t hire from the hosting community.
It could have been fair even if you employed on regional balance, some from Kambas, Luhyas and Taita but not picking all commissioners from few communities,” Maalim agitately remarked
He also took issues with the 20 clerks whom are reported to have been hired stating that the same didn’t reflect the face of Kenya and also no one came from the hosting community
“We urge the relevant institutions to investigate what’s happening at refugee camps because we shall not keep quite while we feel our rights are infringed as elected leaders and hosting community,” he added
Moreover, the MPs accused the UN funded agency for also subjecting refugees in an inhuman conditions where they treck long distances in search of firewoods
“How can people be forced to treck over 100 miles away to cut firewoods, isn’t this inhumane? he asked
According to legislators is that out of billions pumped by the United Nations to address the perennial problems of refugees and offer social economic assistance is mainly plundered by the management
In response to putting necessary infrastructure, we want this agency to allow elected members of parliament participate fully into day to day running of programmes
“We want to tell the country that Ushirika plan is an hoax! You can’t access the camp unless cleared by the foreigners! The only airstrip operating is at the camp! Are they the one hosting us or we are the host? Garrisa County Woman Representative Amina Udgoon Siyad exclaimed
They added that no tarmac road entering the refugee camp and the relevant government department together with the UNHCR agency have been swindling everything allocated for refugees