IDPs In Kenya

(excerpt from Renewed attacks force IDPs back to camps)

Fresh attacks reported in Molo over the weekend have forced some of the former displaced people to return to camps. At least 47 families who had returned home in Jogoo-Rironi Farm went back to the Sawmill camp in Molo town after two people were hacked to death at Kibunja, near Sachangwany.

Some of those who spoke to The Standard said they no longer felt safe. "I was determined to stay when we arrived here but what I witnessed has forced me to return to the camp," said Susan Muthoni.

She had moved back with her belongings to Koige Secondary School where the Government had taken them about two weeks ago under Operation Rudi Nyumbani. "We were delighted to come to a place near home, but now there is no security here," she said. Last Saturday, unidentified assailants killed two people as they herded animals at a forest near Kibunja. The incident sparked a series of protests from IDPs who were preparing to return home. Police responded by arresting four suspects and promised to take them to court soon. Beside insecurity, the returnees also complained of lack of food. "When we were brought here, they gave us a kilo of maize, a kilo of green grams, and some cooking fat. Since then there has never been another supply," said Mr Geoffrey Waweru. Waweru said most of them were willing to stay if the Government would provide security and food to the returnees. "Many of us are now afraid to go to our farms after the Saturday killings," he said. Mr Charles Mukora said two armed security officers assigned to the temporary camp were also manning another one 2km away. "They gave us to their cellphone numbers to call them whenever we feel insecure, but how long will it take them to get to our camp?" he posed.