Musicians in drive to buy land for displaced people launched

By Job Weru

A group of musicians have launched a campaign to raise funds to help the resettlement of displaced people (IDPs).

The musicians, led by Muhiko Nebstar and Elijah Miller, have produced five songs, which are on sale.

A VCD of the songs will be launched tomorrow at Gachuiri Gardens in Uthiru.

Musicians Timona Mburu of Nguruneti song fame and Ms Wangari Kabera told The Standard yesterday proceeds from sale of the VCD would help resettle IDPs or buy basic items required in camps.

"We want to send this crucial message to Kenyans of goodwill, now that the Government is not showing commitment," said Mr Mburu.

He added: "We have approached a landowner in Mai Mahiu, who is ready to sell us 20 acres of her land to help settle some IDPs."

The land would cost about Sh2 million, said Mburu.

Warugendo Music Distributors at River Road, Nairobi, are distributing the VCD.

"We came together as musicians and decided to exploit our God-given talents to help the IDPs," he said.

Deplorable conditions

He said he had re-composed three of his secular songs to appeal for the IDPs.

Ms Kabera accused the Government of concentrating on Mau Forest while IDPs and their children were languishing in deplorable conditions in camps.

"We have been warned of El Nino rains, but what has the Government done to ensure the IDPs are resettled before the onset of these rains? We will soon hear of deaths in camps once the rains start," said Kabera.

Other musicians featured in the VCD are Mr Kamande Kioi, Mr Joseph Theiya and gospel singer Ms Jordan.

There are more than 10,000 IDPs living at Mawingu IDP camp in Melangine, Nyandarua.

 

 

Read all about: displaced people IDPs El Nino

 

 

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