Nigerians In Kenya Protest Government Harrasment And Intimidation

Nigerian nationals living and doing business in Kenya yesterday held a protest match over what they called "harassment by the Kenyan government", The Star reports.

Hundreds of Nigerians gathered at the Nigerian High Commissioner's office on Lenana road and asked the commissioner to intervene and ensure that they are not harassed.

"Since controversial businessman Anthony Chinedu was deported, the government of Kenya has been harrassing and intimidating Nigerians. We have been labeled drug traffickers, con-men and other names," said Joe Oladimeji, the president of the National Association of Nigerians in Kenya.

The Nigerians said they obey the law and that the government should handle their issues fairly without intimidation.

They said police officers without identity have been arresting Nigerians and extorting money from them.
"The immigration officers have told us that they cannot renew our visas because they have orders from above. We know it is the government which has given those orders. A group of students from Nigeria were denied permit and turned away at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport," Oladimeji said.

They said it has become difficult and expensive for a Nigerian to live and do business in Kenya.

"We want our ambassador Akin Oyateru to be recalled. Recently he accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta to Nigeria and he told President Goodluck Jonathan that everything is well in Kenya. This man does not know his job. We are suffering and he is doing little to help us," they said.

Festus Ade said the government should tell them to leave Kenya instead of harassing them.

"Leaving Kenya has consequences. Once I arrive in Lagos, I will mobilise Nigerians to flush out Kenyans. Kenyans should be aware because if this is not resolved, they will have it rough in Nigeria," Ade said.

He said the Commissioner accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta to Nigeria and has not returned.