Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Francis Mureithi
21 July 2011
MPs have demanded an explanation from the Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang’ over a decision by the newly-born Government of Southern Sudan to block people of Somali origin from entering its territory. Led by Mandera East legislator Mohamed Hussein Ali, the MPs will today raise the matter on the floor of the House demanding a ministerial statement from the minister. Speaking to the Star yesterday, Hussein termed the move by the new state as discriminatory.
He said most affected are Kenya-Somalis who wanted to enter into South Sudan to venture into business. “Some of the Somalis who are indeed Kenya citizens have been kept at the border for four to five days simply because they are of Somali origin,” said the MP. “This is discrimination of the highest order and it has never happened anywhere else in the world. It is shameful that it is being done by a newly created state. It is the responsibility of our government to intervene since Kenyans have been affected,” he added. He said the Immigration minister had not responded to the issue, necessitating the matter being taken to Parliament. The traders have been camping at Nadapal.
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Somalis Question South Sudan Bar