25 April 2008
Nairobi — Internal refugees in Eldoret Thursday welcomed President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga's visit to the region.
They said it was likely to lead to quicker resettlement and compensation for property lost during post-election violence. Those interviewed were optimistic that the visit would set in motion reconciliation efforts with former neighbours. Mr Francis Njoroge, who fled from Ziwa in Uasin Gishu, is hopeful that dialogue will facilitate peaceful coexistence. "I believe this will lead to our resettlement, but dialogue needs to be used in addressing root causes such as historical land ownership," Mr Njoroge said. In the violence
A clothes dealer, Mr Njoroge, lost Sh60,000 worth of merchandise in the violence. For Patrick Itongu, the visit could not have come at a better time. Following hot on the heels of a grand coalition government, Mr Itongu believes reconciliation will be speeded up. "They have set a good example by working together, and people at the grassroots must follow suit. Kenyans are good at forgiving and forgetting," he said.
Ms Beatrice Wanjiru is ready to go back to her Munyaka home because she is confident that reconciliation will work. She is, however, disappointed that the leaders are not going to the grassroots. "The visits by leaders should be extended to the places from where the displaced people came," said Wanjiru.
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