Police in Kakuma Refugee Camp shot and injured five South Sudanese refugees during a protest on Monday, as demonstrators stormed the UNHCR compound in a bid to reverse the UN World Food Programme’s (WFP) decision to reduce food aid provisions.
The protest, which began peacefully, escalated when refugees expressed outrage over the reduction in their food rations, a decision that has significantly impacted their livelihoods. According to Abraham Machiek, the camp chairperson, the situation became tense, leading to the use of force by police.
The injured protesters were rushed to the camp’s medical facility, with reports indicating their conditions range from serious to moderate. The identities of those wounded have not been disclosed, but authorities confirmed that their injuries were caused by gunfire.
In response to the growing unrest, the Kenyan government has implemented a dawn-to-dusk curfew across both Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei settlement. The curfew, which began on March 3, 2025, restricts movement from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving the camps during those hours.
A letter from the UNHCR, also dated March 3, outlined the curfew and cited security concerns as the main reason for the new restriction. The letter warns that those who violate the curfew could face detention and be referred to authorities for further legal action.
This measure comes after days of escalating protests that have disrupted daily life in both camps. Refugees have voiced their frustration over international organizations’ failure to meet their basic needs, particularly with regard to food aid.
The ongoing situation has sparked widespread concern, with many refugees fearing that further cuts to their food rations could worsen their already dire conditions. Human rights organizations and local leaders are calling for immediate dialogue between the refugees, the UNHCR, and the Kenyan authorities to address the crisis.
The UNHCR and WFP have yet to release an official statement regarding the curfew or the use of force by police.
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