Antony Gitonga, Allan Khisia And Vitalis Kimutai
1 May 2008
Nairobi — The number of displaced people has increased, a week after President Kibaki promised compensation for victims of post-election violence.
Kenya Red Cross Society statistics show the number had shot up by more than 7,000 in the past week, and there are fears it could rise.
The society's Deputy Secretary-General, Dr James Khisia, on Wednesday expressed concern over the increase, saying it posed a new challenge in the management of camps for the displaced.
Khisia attributed the rise to the Government promise of compensation.
"This is erroneous as no IDP will be compensated in the camps, but at the district headquarters where they came from," he said.
Meanwhile, IDPs in Kipkelion District have been asked to return to their homes, with local DC, Mr Aden Halake, saying security has been beefed up.
He said 1,200 of the victims had returned to their farms and were carrying on with their lives.
"Another 2,700 conduct agricultural activities on their farms during the day, but return to the camps in the evening," the DC said.
Speaking at his office, the DC said various camps in the district had 6,600 displaced people.
And people camping at the Kakamega Police Station are ready to return to their homes if the Government facilitated the process.
The committee overseeing their welfare met senior Provincial Administration officials and agreed that there was need for them to go back home.
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