The Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), John Cardinal
Njue, has urged that more job opportunities be created in African countries to stem
the problem of illegal immigration into Europe.
Speaking during a press conference in Germany organised by Missio München, Cardinal
Njue said not all who flee do so because of persecution or imminent violence in their
countries.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Njue said “The terrorist attack by the Islamic Al-Shabaab militia
at Garissa University College at the beginning of April was a painful experience”.
He added that the attack was committed by Islamic radicals. However, Muslim leaders
in Kenya were among the first to distance themselves and condemn the terrorist attack
where 148 people were killed. “Nearly all of those killed were Christians,” he said
Cardinal Njue said the proposal by the Kenyan Government to close the Dadaab Refugee
Camp may not be the solution to the problem of terrorism in Kenya.
“Officially 350,000 people live in the camp situated near the Kenya- Somalia border
although the number could be higher," said Cardinal Njue. "It is suspected that Islamic
militia may have found their way into Dadaab and closing the camp would also mean
punishing the innocent and putting people in danger in Somalia,” He said.
According to Cardinal Njue, the Catholic Church in Kenya is involved in talks with
the Government and its voice is being heard. He expressed hope that the refugee camp
would not be closed. Instead, he proposed that a political solution be sought. The
Cardinal also attributed the escalating state of insecurity in Kenya to corruption,
saying many Somalis in the camp had come into Kenya through bribery of border patrol
officials.
The Pontifical Missionary Society, Missio Munich has supported projects in Kenya between
2011 and 2014 according to Missio-President, Monsignor Wolfgang Huber. Among those
are projects emphasizing inter-religious dialogue, education and support to refugees.
(By David Omwoyo in Germany)
e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va
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