IDPs threaten sit-in in Nairobi unless resettled

By ANTONY GITONGA

Hundreds of internally displaced people in various camps in Naivasha and Gilgil have given the Government a one-week ultimatum to resettle them.

They vowed to hold demonstrations and stage a sit-in at the ministries of Lands and Special Programmes in Nairobi, until their demands are met.

The IDPs said their patience had run out and they could no longer take Government promises seriously.

According to the chairperson of Ebenezer Camp in Kikopey, Ms Beatrice Nyokabi, none of the IDPs in Naivasha or Gilgil had been resettled.

Nyokabi said hundreds of families living in tattered tents were suffering due to the harsh weather.

"We have waited long enough and we can wait no more. We shall have to march to Nairobi if that is what it takes for our pleas to be heard," she said.

She asked the Government to give them funds to purchase land on their own if it had failed to acquire land to resettle them.

"Other IDPs formed associations when they were paid Sh25,000 and bought their own land, and we can do the same if we get the funds," said the leader.

On his part, Mr Mohammed Ngugi from Jikaze Camp in Mai Mahiu said they were still in the dark concerning their resettlement.

Ngugi called on the Special Programmes Minister to make true her promise of resettling all the IDPs.

"We are not sure who to believe, and we call on the President to intervene as many of us have given up hope as we continue to suffer in camps. The IDPs, however, thanked the Head of State and his family for the Christmas food gift to them.