A group of Tanzanian asylum seekers spent the better part of Monday outside the UNHCR offices in Nairobi after they were unable to register as refugees despite earlier assurances that the process would go on without complications.
The group, which says it fled political tensions and an increasingly hostile environment back home, told journalists that the reason given for the failure to register them was unclear and left them even more anxious about their safety.
They also claimed that they have been receiving warnings from unnamed authorities not to speak to the media about their situation. Still, they insisted that they chose to speak out because their lives depend on international protection.
The asylum seekers were accompanied by their lawyer Giselle Nekesa, who appeared on behalf of Prof. George Wajackoyah, the official CHADEMA lawyer.
Nekesa expressed frustration at what she termed unnecessary delays, saying the group has complied with all requirements and should have been processed without obstruction.
“These people are running for their lives. Every delay exposes them to more danger,” Nekesa said, urging the Kenyan government and UNHCR to move with speed.
The group recounted a difficult journey across the border, saying conditions in Tanzania had become unbearable for them. They fear that any further delay in formal registration could leave them vulnerable to arrest, deportation or targeted attacks.
As of Monday evening, the asylum seekers said they had not received any assistance from UNHCR officials, leaving them uncertain about their next steps.
Their lawyer has vowed to pursue the matter through the relevant authorities until the group is granted the protection they say they desperately need.
