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

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to explain the Kenyan authorities' inhumane treat- ment of Kenyan-Somalis and Somali refugees in terms of long-standing conflicts between Kenya and Somalia, and the Kenyan authorities' reaction to what they perceived as a "credible threat" from the North-Eastern Rovince. This long history of conflict and tension has created a distorted and hostile image of the Somalis as "enemies" of the Kenyan state. The image, real or imaginary, has continued to influence the Kenyan authorities' behaviour towards the Somalis, which has led to gross violations of human rights.' This, however, is not an exhaustive expla- nation for the treatment of the two groups. Other variables, not directly examined here include the nature of the postcolonial state, the broader question of political legitimacy, the nature of the ruling class and the role of violence as a response to state repression