Senators demand breakdown of IDP funds

Senators have a demanded a breakdown of the Sh1 billion released by the government for the resettlement of the remaining internally displaced persons, saying Kenyans should be told about the beneficiaries and how they have been selected.

They said the money, being the last tranche towards the resettlement, it was necessary to make public the names of all those who are set to get it.

Last week, Deputy President William Ruto said the government had released Sh1 billion to settle the remaining IDPs, almost 10 years after they were kicked out of their homes following the 2007 post-election violence.

BENEFICIARIES

The lawmakers, during a House session on Wednesday, demanded the names and location of the intended beneficiaries.

Minority Leader Moses Wetangula (Ford-Kenya) said it was important to know how those to benefit had been picked by the Ministry of Devolution.

“We want to know who will benefit and how they have been selected by the government.

We have been told by the Deputy President and the enthusiastic Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Mwangi Kiunjuri that the Sh1 billion is the last payment to be made and camps closed,” said Mr Wetangula who demanded comprehensive explanation from the Ministry.

The Sh1 billion will be shared among 5,261 households which are still living in camps spread across the country.

The latest release brings to Sh17.5 billion the total amount spent by the government to resettle IDPs since 2008.

Other than those living in camps, there are thousands of integrated IDPs who are living with relatives or well-wishers who are yet to get compensated for the losses they suffered during the violence.

“When we ask about the integrated IDPs and why they have not been catered for the government always tells us that it is settling those in the camps first.

I would like to know what it is doing about the integrated ones in my county,” said Nyandarua Senator Muriuki Karue (TNA).

RESETTLEMENT AUDIT

Last year October, the senators accused the former Devolution CS Anne Waiguru of favouring IDPs belonging to one community.

They demanded an audit of the resettlement since it was launched in 2008.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale (UDF) also asked for a similar audit but focusing on the land that was left by the displaced.

“We would to know if the government has done an audit on the properties, especially land, of those who were displaced.

It should tell us who owns the land that was left by the IDPs,” said Dr Khalwale.

Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki (TNA) said the House will be furnished with the information demanded by the senators in a month.

The latest payment is yet another attempt by the government to clear the IDPs challenge after many others in the past.

Last year October, the DP gave a two-week ultimatum to close all the IDP camps but that was not met.