Diseases threaten refugees

Mr Kariuki said scores of other sick people who cannot afford to pay the consultancy fees at the hospital were confined to their makeshift tents.

He said that living conditions at the camp had deteriorated sharply following the withdrawal of donor agencies that were supplying food and providing essential services.

A fortnight ago, the Government closed a health clinic in a move the refugees say is an attempt to push them out of the camp.

Mr Kariuki told Nation that when the camp clinic was closed, sick people who had gone there for treatment had been told to seek medical attention at the provincial hospital.

The camp’s toilets are overflowing, posing a health hazard to the occupants as human waste finds its way to the tents.

The refugees have petitioned various Government agencies and held peaceful demonstrations to highlight their plight, but to no avail.

Two of the camp’s occupants were shot by police during one such demonstration.

“The Government has neglected us, and its is trying to force us out of the camp because they cannot address the issues that we have raised concerning the provision of alternative accommodation,” Mr Kariuki said.

“We are not opposed to the resettlement exercise, but the Government must address issues regarding our security before we can leave the camp.

They have failed to initiate peace and reconciliation meetings to ensure mutual co-existence between us and our former neighbours, said Mr Kariuki.