Prime Cabinet Secretary addresses Senate on Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia, outlining repatriation plans

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has addressed crucial inquiries from Senator Mohamed Chute (Marsabit) regarding the status of Kenyan refugees currently residing in Magatho and Dillo towns in Ethiopia. 

Mudavadi who appeared before the Senate this Wednesday revealed that the Kenyan Borena refugees initially arrived in Ethiopia during the 2005-2006 period were forced to flee their homeland due to a series of inter-ethnic conflicts predominantly between the Borana and Gabra communities over natural resources, grazing lands and political disputes. Many of those refugees hail from Marsabit County, specifically North Horr and Moyale sub-counties.

Upon their arrival in Ethiopia, the Borena clan in the Oromia region provided initial support and protection. In 2007, they were officially registered by the Administration for Refugees and Refugee Affairs (ARRA) of Ethiopia, which is now known as the Refugees and Returnees Services (RRS). The CS noted that over 500 families of Kenyan origin found asylum in Dillo and Megado areas, escaping ongoing conflicts characterized by the tragic Turbi massacre in 2000.

From October 27 to December 3, 2024, a verification exercise conducted by the RSS and UNHCR sought to assess the conditions of the Borena refugees. Unfortunately, the majority expressed reluctance to return to their homeland, primarily due to fears of renewed ethnic conflict. However, many still retain their Kenyan identity documents and have shown interest in voluntarily returning to Kenya.

Dr. Mudavadi emphasized that for successful repatriation, the desire of the refugees to return must be paramount. Furthermore, consultations between the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia, facilitated by the UNHCR, are essential for this process to move forward. Notably, 4,993 individuals have already indicated their willingness to repatriate to Kenya.

Regarding compensation, Mudavadi clarified that the Kenyan government only facilitates the return and reintegration of refugees who have been granted asylum abroad and does not provide financial compensation for returnees. 

Looking ahead, the Prime Cabinet Secretary underscored that the repatriation process must be voluntary, informed and dignified to protect returnees from potential coercion and persecution. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the Senate's continued support and advocated for increased resources to enhance data acquisition and integration, ensuring preparedness for the evolving global dynamics.