MP raises concern over smuggling of youth in Northeastern

The Orange Democratic Movement nominated MP Umulkheir Harun speaking in Garissa on Saturday.

ODM Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun has raised concern over increasing cases of human trafficking, targeting youth and children in Northeastern.

Locally referred to as Tahrib, a number of youths being smuggled to North Africa has become a grave concern.

Many leave behind desperate families, sell property, or fall victim to smugglers, who hand them to militia groups.

Harun says the traffickers target young people from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Dadaab camps, promising easy passage and lucrative jobs abroad only for them to be turned into slaves.

The latest incident happened on July 1, where a group of 10 young men, who were being smuggled to an unknown destination, were intercepted by the police in Gurar Division, Wajir North.

Police manning the Bambaa checkpoint intercepted the vehicle at around 11.45 pm before taking them to Gurar police station.

Initially, the group insisted they were wedding guests, but pressed for details, they admitted they were enroute to Libya.

Harun says it is time the government, parents and religious leaders addressed the issue.

“Imagine fundraising that amount of money more than 10 times in a month. This will force me to start stealing your money to contribute.  Why should I do that?  This is a challenge in all the three counties. Governors, please be alive to this facts and as leaders we will stand with you."

She said the biggest driver to human traffickers is unemployment since most unsuspecting youth are promised lucrative jobs in Libya, South Sudan and Juba.

Harun, who is passionate about empowering the youth said Garissa county's revolving fund can make a big difference if put into good use.

In November last year, Governor Nathif Jama officially launched a Sh 38 million revolving to support youth, women and persons living with disability.

The fund offers interest-free or low-interest loans to boost small businesses and create employment.

The MP, who has already declared interest in the Garissa Woman Representative seat in 2027, called for the quick release of the funds.

“If that fund is properly utilised, the challenges our youth currently face will be answered. We are not so many. The budget is close to Sh100 Million. I urge MCAs to support the governor and work together and avail the money in this financial year,”  she said.