IDP audit ordered to flush out imposters in Lamu

The Mavuno IDP camp in Lamu. Two people who have been charged with 12 counts of murder over the Lamu killings are seeking to be released on bond pending hearing and determination of their case. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Njenga said that some fake IDPs had taken advantage of the situation to demand assistance from the government.
  • He noted that more than 90 per cent of people displaced by Lamu attacks had returned to their homes.
  • He confirmed that IDPs who had been living at Witu AIC, Kakathe, Katsaka Kairu, Maisha Masha and Maleli camps had already returned to their homes.
  • Some people had hatched a plan to remain in the camps to take advantage of any resettlement plans by the government.

Lamu County Commissioner Miiri Njenga on Monday instructed district officers and chiefs to carry out an audit of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps so as to flush out imposters.

Mr Njenga said that some fake IDPs had taken advantage of the situation to demand assistance from the government.

In an interview with the Nation, the county commissioner noted that more than 90 per cent of people displaced by the Lamu attacks had returned to their homes after they were assured of their safety.

He added that some people had hatched a plan to remain in the camps to take advantage of any resettlement plans by the government.

“Peace in Lamu has greatly improved. We have increased police patrols in the entire county.

"We have already asked and we are still advising residents to go back to their homes.

"Those who think they can take advantage of the situation so as to get free land should know that their plans have been uncovered,” said Mr Njenga.

RETURNED HOME

He confirmed that IDPs who had been living at Witu AIC, Kakathe, Katsaka Kairu, Maisha Masha and Maleli camps had already returned to their homes.

Mr Njenga ordered the provincial administrators to carry out investigations speedily and submit their reports to his office so that immediate action could be taken.

He promised to ensure that all genuine IDPs identified in the process were attended to while the imposters would have to return to wherever they came from.

“We need order. Many families have returned home, but I am told that about 300 people are still seen at Hindi Prison and more than 216 families at (the) Mavuno-Poromoko camp.

"It’s unfortunate that some people know we might resettle the genuine IDPs and so they have decided to come and pose as IDPs too.

"I know (a) majority of the occupants in those camps belong somewhere and they won’t succeed,” added Mr Njenga.