Kenya Defends Self For Inhumane Deportation Of 4 Turkish Nationals
On Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended its recent decision to repatriate four Turkish nationals to their home country, after the deportation sparked debate both inside and outside the country.
Speaking to diplomats, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei revealed that the four Turks had allegedly committed ‘treasonous acts’ in Turkey.
He added that the deportation was necessary to avoid accusations of harboring ‘subversive’ elements in the country and to maintain Nairobi’s ties with Ankara.
“The issue of being accused of harboring subversive elements in your country who are undertaking activities detrimental to another country is a very serious thing, and you cannot ignore it,” Sing’oei stated.
However, the PS admitted that the issue caused a significant diplomatic quandary for the country.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei: The four Turkish nationals had to go. They were involved in treasonous activities in Turkey
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 25, 2024
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“I have to note that it is a very difficult dilemma because there are two principles that we hold dear.”
Nonetheless, PS Sing’oei noted that the issue of interference with another country’s internal affairs held more weight, necessitating the government’s decision to deport the foreign nationals.
“The principle of non-interference on the internal affairs of another country is a rock solid principle that goes to the very founding of states,” he added.
The PS also stated that the decision to deport the foreign nationals was well thought out and that the government had considered all factors.
“Sometimes, we may take a position that appears completely out of tandem with principle. However, I can tell you that in this case, it is a very well-thought-out position.”
The four Turkish nationals, who are refugees in Kenya, were abducted in Nairobi’s Kileleshwa, Karen, and Upper Hill neighborhoods, along with three others who were later released.
They claimed to have been kidnapped at gunpoint by unidentified armed men.
In contrast, the government claimed that there were well-established mechanisms between the agencies involved to ensure that Turkish nationals were treated properly.
“The relevant agencies set assurances on how this set of individuals will be treated.”
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The abduction of Turkish nationals, captured on CCTV cameras, and their subsequent repatriation to their home country elicited negative reactions from global refugee agencies, raising concerns about Kenya’s commitment to refugee rights.
The United Nations Refugee Agency urged Kenya’s government to comply with its international obligations to protect asylum seekers.
The 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees clearly outlines international refugee rights.
This convention states that refugees should not be returned to countries where their lives or freedoms are in jeopardy.
Kenya Defends Self For Inhumane Deportation Of 4 Turkish Nationals
