Kenya’s High Court of Garissa affirmed the citizenship rights of ethnic Kenyan Somali nationals. The ruling deemed the government’s refusal to issue ID documents unconstitutional and mandated the removal of erroneously registered names from refugee databases. The court instructed the establishment of vetting committees for affected individuals, highlighting past injustices and the need for corrective action.
On Wednesday, Kenya’s High Court of Garissa determined that the government’s refusal to issue identification documents to ethnic Kenyan Somali nationals was unconstitutional, violating their citizenship rights. The court instructed the government to remove all names of Kenyan Somali nationals mistakenly recorded in refugee databases within 60 days. Additionally, it mandated the establishment of vetting committees to rectify the citizenship status of those labeled as double-registered nationals.
In conclusion, the High Court’s ruling represents a significant advancement in recognizing the rights of ethnic Kenyan Somali nationals, who have faced unjust deprivation of citizenship. The court’s directives for the government to take swift corrective actions underscore the need for remedial measures to assist affected individuals in regaining their rightful status. Continued advocacy by organizations such as Haki-na-Sheria and Human Rights Watch will be vital in ensuring implementation.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
