Church leaders condemn rejection of IDPs

By KARANJA NJOROGE and OSINDE OBARE

Church leaders in Nakuru have condemned the turning away of 200 internally displaced persons who were to be resettled in Kitale.

The leaders under the Likia and Beyond Peace and Conflict Resolution said the current trend where host communities reject IDPs is worrying and undermines peace efforts, especially in Rift Valley.

Drawn from various denominations and communities, they warned that the rejection of IDPs is a bad sign as the country heads towards the next General Election.

In a statement read by Reverend Abraham Mutai, the clergymen said the Constitution protects the right of Kenyans to settle and acquire property in any part of the country.

"We are setting a dangerous precedent where some areas will be zoned off for particular people," said Bishop Abraham Gitu.

The IDPs with their belongings loaded in trucks and lorries were blocked by irate residents from accessing their would be homes in Endebbes on Wednesday.

Bishop Gitu said the Government should not entertain moves by certain politicians to frustrate the resettlement by inciting residents.

"The Government should exercise its power and should not be deterred by a few people who it is clear have been organised by politicians to sabotage the resettlement programme," he said.

Sabotage

The clergymen called for stern action against those issuing inciting statements, especially in the Rift Valley.

Meanwhile, the 255 displaced persons rejected by residents of Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County, want the Government to return them to their Rongai camp in Nakuru.

The families, are now camping at Soil Primary School in Kitale.

And North Rift Regional DC Wilson Wanyanga warned politicians in the region against inciting the residents to sabotage the resettlement programme.

Sad faces greeted a team from civil society groups who had visited the families yesterday.

The IDPs said they were worried about their security following threats from the residents to attack them.

The families arrived in Kitale to take up the 1,000 acres land the Government had purchased for their resettlement.

"We want to be taken back to the camp. We fear for our lives here. Let the Government take us back," said Joseph Ayieko, the spokesperson of the IDPs.

Leaders led by Ford-Kenya chairman Moses Wetang’ula and Cabinet Minister Dr Noah Wekesa faulted the Government for the foiled resettlement.

"If there is land to resettle the IDPs, the Government should give IDPs and squatters in Trans-Nzoia County first priority before considering those from other parts of the country," said Wetangu’la.

Mr Wanyanga accused leaders of frustrating Government efforts to provide vulnerable Kenyans with land.

The DC on Wednesday clashed with leaders at a meeting convened in Kitale to discuss the disputed resettlement.