Resettle us as promised, IDPs urge Uhuru

By Antony Gitonga

Naivasha, Kenya: Hundreds of IDPs from various camps in Naivasha and Gilgil have challenged President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta to keep his promise of resettling them in 100 days.

While welcoming the decision by the Supreme Court, the victims of 2008 post-election violence said their hope of being resettled lay with the new president.

In various camps it was song and dance as the IDPs celebrated the court decision and thanked Kenyans for being peaceful.

According to one of the victims, Beatrice Kaara, they had high hopes of getting resettled after waiting for years.

Ms Kaara from Ebenezer camp in Gilgil said during the campaign the Jubilee coalition promised to resettle all the IDPs in three months after coming into office.

Resettlement stalled

“We are happy with the Supreme Court decision and we now challenge Uhuru and his team to make their promise true,” she said.

She said they were suffering in the camps, adding that the promised resettlement had stalled.

“It is currently raining heavily and many tents are soaked with water and we call for speedy resettlement,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by Rose Wanjiku from Jikaze camp in Mai Mahiu, who said justice had been done.

Ms Wanjiku said the last weeks were full of tension and anxiety as they awaited the court ruling on the petition.

“We are happy with the decision and we now call on the new government to make true its promise of resettling us,” she said.

Meanwhile, normalcy returned to Naivasha town after a day of celebrations to mark the ruling by the Supreme Court.

Time for healing

Immediate former Naivasha legislator John Mututho sent a message of congratulations to the president-elect and his deputy.

He thanked the Prime Minister for conceding defeat, noting that it was time for healing and reconciliation.

“I thank Kenyans for being peaceful after the court ruling and now let us stop politicking and embark on rebuilding our country,” he said.