DP Ruto: IDPs will soon get Sh1.9 billion

Deputy President William Ruto (L) hands over a cheque to various integrated families as part of their compensation during a government function in Kihoto grounds in Naivasha. The government will use a total of Sh4.1B in two months in the final stage of compensating all integrated IDPs in the country. Pix By Antony Gitonga

The Government will soon release Sh1.9 billion to pay integrated IDPs in the final phase of compensation.

The money, to be paid out in a few weeks' time, will benefit 39,000 families across the country, according to Deputy President William Ruto.

Some Sh2.2 billion has already been released in the first phase as the Government works to resettle those uprooted from their homes after the violence that rocked the country after the bungled presidential elections in 2007.

Eventually, Ruto said, a total of 83,000 integrated IDPs will have benefited from the funds.

Ruto, who spoke in Naivasha, said a total of 10,611 IDPs from the county would benefit from Sh530 million given in the first phase.

"In the second phase, 7,549 families including those from Naivasha will get another Sh377 million as the Government addresses the issue of compensation," he said.

Ruto accused NASA of politicising compensation of IDPs.

"The families were affected due to bad politics. But we have vowed the country will never take that route again," he said.

He added: "The Government is committed to peaceful elections. That is why no one needs to flee. Jubilee is committed to uniting Kenyans irrespective of their ethic or political affiliations."

Ruto criticised NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga over claims he plans to legalise chang'aa if elected.

"We have a problem with illicit brews and drugs yet someone is thinking of legalising chang'aa," said Ruto.