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DC in the Dark Over Fate of Displaced People in Kisii

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Published on Friday, 09 May 2008 01:42
Displaced people camping in Kisii will have to wait longer before the Government can resettle them. This is because the 1,400 people were ejected from outside the region during the post-election violence. They are camping at Ekerenyo in Nyamira District, Riatengeya and Keroka in Masaba District. Making the revelation on Tuesday, Nyamira DC, Mr Ali Muktar, said he was yet to be briefed on how to go about the resettlement. Meanwhile, the recommendation by Lands minister, Mr James Orengo, that IDPs be resettled outside the Rift Valley has elicited fury from a Kisii politician.

North Mugirango MP, Mr Wilfred Ombui, criticised Orengo, saying his sentiments were divisive. "Orengo can afford to make such comments because he was not faced with this problem," he noted. Elsewhere in Trans-Nzoia, resettlement of displaced people continued smoothly for the second day. But landless families that had fled to the camps remained behind because they had nowhere to go. At Kachibora, Government trucks ferried the returnees to Geta Farm, about 7km away, under tight security.

Elders from the Marakwet community welcomed them and appealed for forgiveness. Mr Joseph Krop said: "We are here to assure you that there is no problem. Our people are asking for forgiveness because they wronged you." The Trans North Rift peace building team, led by Mr Yusuf Chepkole, said: "Forgiveness and reconciliation are the way forward".

and we will continue supporting them as they cement their relationship." Those who moved back asked the Government to help them meet their basic needs.

The team of elders has been spearheading peace meetings between the Marakwet and Kisii since March. In Endebess, more people volunteered to return to their farms. Local DO, Mr Evans Matundura, said about 200 people had registered and plans were underway to escort them to their homes.

Matundura said most of the people at the camp were landless. He said 2,000 displaced people at Kitale Showground had refused to return home for fear of their safety. They asked the Government to first wipe out the Sabaot Land Defense Force (SLDF) in Saboti and Kwanza divisions.

Mr Ken George Masinde said: "They are still in possession of dangerous weapons with which they killed many of our relatives. Telling us to go back is like asking us to commit suicide." ate an impending food crisis. He was quick to point out that none would be forced out of the camp if they feared for their security.