MPs push for team to tackle plight of IDPs

Eight MPs, including four assistant ministers, have called for the establishment of a commission to address the plight of displaced people.

The MPs said although the government had initiated a programme to resettle those who were displaced after the 2007 polls, more needed to be done to address the plight of those affected by ethnic clashes since 1992.

In a statement read by Water and Irrigation assistant Mwangi Kiunjuri, the MPs said land compensation was not adequate for the injustices suffered by the displaced people.

Investment

“Displaced families lost more than land. They have lost years of investment; they have lost sources of livelihood built over time; they have lost community relationship, emotional bonds and social capital of years,” read the statement.

Central Kenya residents were some of those who were hit hard by the post-election violence that rocked the country in early 2008 following the disputed presidential results. The violence, which drew international condemnation, left 1,133 people dead and more than 600,000 displaced from their homes.

Some of the IDPs have pooled resources to buy land for themselves, while others have benefited from land bought by the government in different parts of the country such as Molo and Ongata Rongai through the resettlement programme.

On Saturday, Mr Kiunjuri, who is also the Laikipia East MP, said without a dedicated team to look into these issues, efforts by government were likely to remain sporadic, incomprehensive and superficial.

He read the statement when he led well-wishers in donating materials to IDPs recently moved from Kirathimo in Kiambu West District to Wamura village in Laikipia Central District. He was accompanied by Naivasha MP John Mututho.

The statement was also signed by Mr Lee Kinyanjui, Mr Ndiritu Muriithi, Mr Kabando wa Kabando, Mr Nelson Gaichuhie and Mr Joseph Kiuna.