IDPs plead for State help amid hunger, disease

By Jally Kihara

Nukuru, Kenya: Internally displaced persons from Mumoi Camp in lower Subukia, Nakuru County, have held a demonstration to express what they termed a long period of suffering.

The more than 600 IDPs accused the Jubilee government of neglecting them despite earlier assurances that they would be resettled.

Led by their chairman Samwel Chege Muchiri, the displaced persons said they had been forced to walk more than 60km after life in the camp became unbearable.

“The Government has been promising to resettle us but that word has not come to pass despite various assurances that we will be resettled.

“Officers from the Ministry of Special Programmes did establish that we are genuine IDPs but nothing has been done apart from giving mere promises,” Muchiri said.

The IDPs, who claim they were moved to Subukia Mumoi Camp after the State had identified some land on which to resettle them, said they were suffering from airborne diseases, with the elderly being the hardest hit.

Relief food

They now fear some of them might be wiped out by hunger and disease.

He added that they had not received relief food or medicine from the Government for the three years since moving from the Gilgil camp on December 16, 2011.

“We have been surviving on well-wishers’ contributions since the Government has continuously ignored our plight despite several agreements with the deputy county commissioner.

“We cannot wait to see our members dying in the camp. The Jubilee government should honour its promise,” Muchiri added.

Parents say their children have not been attending school due to hunger and lack of basic commodities.

“Our children are also affected in a big way because they cannot attend school like other children. They don’t have uniforms or books. We are suffering and asking the Government to address this issue,” said Joseph Maina, a resident of the camp. 

Nakuru County Commissioner Mohammed Birik said he would look into the issue, although their genuineness as IDPs was questionable.

“The Government resettled all IDPs and we wonder where they were. However, I will meet with their representatives to chart a way forward,” said Mr Birik.