Uneasy calm returns to Kakuma after deadly clashes
North Eastern
By
Bakari Ang'ela
| Jul 09, 2024
Uneasy calm has returned to Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana county, days after deadly clashes left 14 dead.
The refugee camp located in Turkana West witnessed clashes between Nuer and Anyuak communities from the neighboring South Sudan.
Community elders brokered a truce between the warring parties after the retaliatory attacks displaced families.
The clashes saw schools closed, depriving children of their right to education and leaving families in panic.
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"The elders' intervention has been crucial in bringing peace. Refugees and neighbouring host community can now go about their usual activities," said Edwin Chabari, the camp's Department of Refugee Services (DRS) Manager.
The conflict saw displaced families seek refuge in distant places, as far as Ruiru town in Kiambu county, with some taking shelter in local churches.
Chabari said efforts to return the refugees to Kakuma were underway and urged asylum seekers to return to the camp.
The United National High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) teams were on the ground to receive the refugees.
UNHCR and KRCS teams registered the arrivals and provided much-needed food, water, and clothing.
"The atmosphere in Kakuma is shifting from fear and uncertainty to hope and resilience. The World Food Programme (WFP) has also stepped in, distributing food to ensure no one goes hungry. The support from humanitarian organisations has been invaluable," Chabari said.
Humanitarian organisations and the DRS are aiding the camp's reconstruction efforts, the manager said.
"Schools have reopened, welcoming back students eager to resume their studies. It is a sigh of relief to see children back in school. Education is key to rebuilding their lives," he said.
Asylum seekers and the local community said they were hopeful to return of peace and coexistence.
"We are grateful for the peace that has returned. My children can now go back to school, and we can rebuild our lives," said Mary Akot, a mother of three.
Community leader John Deng said: "The relative peace has given us a chance to heal and move forward."