South Sudan deports 53 Kenyans

Aug 11, 2006 (NAIROBI) — Fifty-three Kenyans have been deported from Southern Sudan for allegedly working without work permits.

The deportees were arrested on August 2 in Juba and have been in police custody since. They are now being held at the Lokichoggio Police Station, waiting to be transported to Nairobi and later to their homes.

Most of those affected have been dealing in food and second hand clothes. Some of those who spoke to The Standard from Lokichoggio claimed that Sudanese policemen beat them up. They also claimed that the police confiscated their properties.

“The policemen caned us. They also told us that they did not need Kenyans there,” said one victim.

Joseph Kiarie said the police, with the help of the locals, rounded them up, claiming that they were there illegally.

He added: “They were shouting obscenities at us saying they did not need Kenyans.”

Kiarie said they sought for help from a Kenyan consulate, a Mr Macharia, but did not hear from him. He said some Sudanese businessmen complained of unfair competition from the Kenyans. The deportees arrived on Wednesday after riding on a lorry for about 350kms.

(The Standard)