Protesting IDPs storm out of Mawingu camp

By James Munyeki

Mawingu internally displaced persons stormed out of the camp on Monday protesting Government’s failure to purchase land for them after the two weeks they had given the Government to purchase land for them expired.

Carrying twigs, placards and house hold items, the victims marched for over 30 kilometers to Mawingu chief’s offices where they are now camping to demand immediate resettlement.

The victims are tomorrow expected to start a long march to state house to seek audience with President Kibaki.

Led by their Chairman Mr Peter Kariuki and other officials, they regretted that the Government had failed to respond to their request to have them resettled on a 6,000 acre piece of land that they had identified at Wiyumuririe in Laikipia.

The more than 10,000 victims have now vowed they will not return to the camp, which they said was in deplorable condition.

"Enough is enough and we now have to act since the Government has failed to respond to our pleas. We will not go back to the camp until the government purchases the land for us," he noted.

Kariuki revealed that they had written several times to President Kibaki and Special Programmes ministry concerning the parcel of land without response.

Accept cash

Displaying a copy of the letter addressed to President Kibaki, the chairman said they identified the parcel of land and found it suitable for them since it is arable.

"We want the Government to buy the piece of land for us since it is big enough for all of us. We have suffered for so long at the camps," he added.

Camp vice chairman, Mr Michael Wainaina said the victims would not accept cash compensation from the Government at the expense of getting land.

Special Programmes Minister, Ms Esther Murugi has in the past been quoted saying the Government was opting to give each IDP household Sh500,000 instead of land to fast track the resettlement exercise.

"We will not accept cash from the Government since it has already failed to compensate us. This is a trick that is being used to derail the resettlement exercise," he noted.

Camp chairlady, Ms Martha Kagwa wondered why the Government chose to resettle those evicted from Mau Forest before them yet they were the ones who were displaced first.

The victims are expected to issue a petition to Murugi first before they march to State House.