TURKANA – At least two refugees were killed and scores injured by Kenyan police during crackdown on days of peaceful protests against food cut and a resettlement program, in Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements in Turkana County.
Local sources indicate that a peaceful demonstration escalated into violence at Kakuma Refugee Camp following police response, leading to the burning of the Kalobeyei Food Distribution Centre.
The protest was sparked by growing frustrations over reduced food rations, inadequate healthcare, and persistent water shortages. Several people were injured as police reportedly opened fire to disperse the crowd.
The refugees, majority from South Sudan, have been protesting on several occasions against the enforcement of WFP’s Differentiated Assistance program and a resettlement plan dubbed the Shirika plan. Instead they appeal for repatriation to their home country.
The rehabilitation framework seeks to integrate both humanitarian and development interventions, aiming to support the transition of refugees and host communities toward greater self-reliance.
As of June 30, 2025, there are 200,161 South Sudanese refugees in Kenya, according to data from the Kenyan government and UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency.
The majority of these refugees are hosted in Kakuma refugee camp and its expansion site, Kalobeyei settlement.
Note: This is a breaking news story, and more details will follow.