Factors Affecting the Treatment of Kenyan-Somalis and Somali Refugees in Kenya: A Historical Overview

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to explain Kenyan authorities' inhumane treatment of Kenyan-Somalis and Somali refugees in terms of long-standing conflicts between Kenya and Somalia, and Kenyan authorities' reaction to what they perceived as a credible threat from North-Eastern Rovince. This long history of conflict and tension has created a distorted and hostile image of Somalis as enemies of Kenyan state. The image, real or imaginary, has continued to influence Kenyan authorities' behaviour towards Somalis, which has led to gross violations of human rights.' This, however, is not an exhaustive explanation for treatment of two groups. Other variables, not directly examined here include nature of postcolonial state, broader question of political legitimacy, nature of ruling class and role of violence as a response to state repression. In order to understand development of this image andits implications for Kenyan Somalis and Somali refugees in Kenya, it is .imperative to highlight some of critical elements of conflicts between Kenyan government and inhabitants of North-Eastern Rovince of Kenya (which is major part of what was formerly Northern Frontier District), and between Kenyan government and government of Somalia. The conflict has its origins in colonial era. At turn of century, Britain extended her control over this semiarid area. One of foremost scholars on region, A.A. Castagno, cites three reasons for this action: 1) to provide a buffer between Italian Somaliland and Ethiopia on one side, and East African railway Ogenga Otunnu is a doctoral candidate in Department ofHistoty at York University and a Researcher in Centrefor Refugee Studies. andthe white settlersin highlands on other; 2) to deter Ethiopian imperial power from annexing Boran and Gabro; and 3) to check the Somali south-westward expansion. To effect some of these policies and minimize ethnic and clan conflicts, administrative borders were redrawn, and in 1909 Somalis were not allowed beyond Somali-Galla line. However, these policies caused Somaliresistance to British colonialism to es~alate.~ The colonial regime responded by declaring (through its Outlying District Ordinance) Northern Frontier District (NF'D) a closed district in 1926. By this draconian ordinance, colonial administrators were given sweeping powers to deal with any form of dissent or This long history of conflict and tension has created a distorted and hostile image