Prime Minister Raila Odinga Tuesday assured members of the Somali community in Kenya that the government is not targeting them in the current crackdown on illegal immigrants.
He also assured them that all those engaged in legitimate businesses will be protected by the law and should be free to lodge complaints whenever they feel their interests as citizens or legal immigrants are being threatened.
At the same time, the PM asked the US government to help mobilise international support for the transitional government in Somalia saying stability in Somalia is the best cure against rising fear of terrorism and piracy in the region.
At a separate meeting with US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Alexander Vershbow, the PM said the threats piracy and terrorism will not be resolved in the high seas or abroad but by ensuring stability within Somalia.
The PM said Kenya will continue to play its role in Somalia and Sudan but expressed concern that the international community has not accorded the Somalia crisis the attention and support it deserves.
Vershbow, who paid a courtesy call on the PM, said he was in Kenya to get a better understanding of the situation in Somalia and Sudan.
He also delivered President Barack Obama's promise of support for the reform process in Kenya.
Earlier in the morning, the PM told officials of the Eastleigh Business Community and Somali Leaders Forum who paid him a courtesy call at his Treasury office that the on going operation was aimed at safeguarding the security of all Kenyans and their investments.
"The government doesn't have any hidden agenda against the members of the Somali Community. We welcome the investment you have put in the country and if the current operation appears to be getting abused, we will investigate and take necessary action," the PM said.
The Somali leaders supported government's move to rid the country of foreigners who have criminal intentions and backgrounds but demanded that it be carried out humanely and in a civil manner.
The officials said they do not condone the presence of illegal immigrants in the country or defend their arrests and deportation or other treatment in accordance with the law, but worried that the crackdown currently appears to be targeting Somalis and their businesses.
Source:kbc.co.ke/
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