Halt, Kajwang’ told at border
- Details
- Created on Friday, 31 July 2009 12:03
- Written by Pachodo.org News Room
The man responsible for regulating Kenya's border posts was on Thursday barred from accessing an exit point.
Mr Otieno Kajwang', the Immigration minister, was blocked by SPLA soldiers manning a roadblock on the Kenyan side of the border.
He was heading to open an immigration office at Nadapal border post when he was turned back at the roadblock mounted by the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) just a kilometre from the country's border with Southern Sudan.
Speaking to the Nation, a furious Kajwang' narrated how the soldiers denied them access to the border post, saying they were under instructions from their "superiors" not to let them proceed.
"We have been forced to call off our mission," Mr Kajwang' said by telephone.
The minister was accompanied by Immigration ministry officials, members of the provincial administration and officers from the Army, General Service Unit (GSU) and regular police.
A recent Cabinet decision requires that all immigration offices be located at the border. The immigration office is currently located at Lokichoggio township, about 10 kilometres from the border post.
He said that prior to his visit, the local provincial administration had informed the Southern Sudan liaison office based at Lokichoggio of his intended tour.
Mr Kajwang' also complained about the harassment and intimidation the Kenyan immigration officials were recently subjected to by the Sudanese forces as they went to the border post to assess the ground before relocating the office.
He said that they had been forced to surrender their guns to the SPLA soldiers manning the roadblock before they could be allowed to proceed to the border post.
Mr Kajwang' also said that three months ago, Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti was also blocked from visiting the border post to assess the security situation. A military commander has also been turned back.
Source: http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/632338/-/ulj3e4/-/index.html
Newer news items:
- Gun men Carry out another Massacre of 161 people in Akobo - 03/08/2009
- Statement of Pa’gan Amum Okiech SPLM Secretary General - 03/08/2009
- Sticks Are Deadly To Weak Donkeys: USA Sanctions on Sudan - 02/08/2009
- ‘Uganda came close to war with Sudan’ - 02/08/2009
- Statement of Hon. Roger P. Winter - 31/07/2009
Latest News/Articles
It was Kneya that hosted SPLM/A and it was Kneya where CPA was signed. Kenyian people have advocated the Southern case and they have showed us their generous hospitality.
But we Southerners under what is so called GOSS and SPLM Party has just overnight forgot the benevolent treatment we had received from Kenyian people for decades.
Previously, Kenyian and other African nationals were killed in Rumbeck and now SPLA extended mistreatment of Kenyians to Kenyian officials.
Then who is going to be our friends in we behave inhumanly to those who showed their sympathy to us for years while we have no good relation with our Northern partners?
Shame on GOSS and SPLM for killing and abusing our close friends.