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Kenya: MPs' Fears As Internal Refugees Return Home
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The Nation (Nairobi)
5 May 2008
Posted to the web 5 May 2008
Nairobi
MPs Sunday expressed fears that deployment of security officers might not be a lasting solution to resettling clash victims as thousands of Kenyans displaced in post-election violence start returning to their homes Monday.
Cabinet minister William Ruto, who led MPs in prayers ahead of the Government resettlement programme, said the use of security personnel without addressing the underlying causes of the problem will not provide permanent solutions.
Meanwhile, the Government yesterday outlined 11 steps to be taken in moving internal refugees back to their homes.
Elsewhere, five MPs from Rift Valley Province urged the Government to get the views of internal refugees before embarking on its mission to resettle them.
Speaking in Rongai during a thanksgiving party hosted by area MP Luka Kigen, the MPs said some people were not ready to go back to their homes.
Cooled tension
Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny said the recent visits by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga had eased tension and animosity in the province.
He, however, said the two leaders failed to address all the people affected because they only addressed rallies in the urban centres.
Other MPs at the function were Mr Mr Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central), Mr William Cheptumo (Baringo North) and Mr John Mututho (Naivasha).
The Eldoret prayers were attended by seven other MPs as part of the Government's effort to try and move thousands of people who have been living in camps and police stations for four months.
Mr Ruto said: "Guns and police stations cannot help bring peace if the neighbours are not in agreement. We need genuine reconciliation."
Mr Ruto said refugees who will not be willing to return to their farms will be supported in their various camps as the Government assesses the situation.
The prayer meeting was attended by MPs Mureithi Nderitu (Laikipia West), Nelson Gaichuhie (Subukia), Joseph Kiuna (Molo), William Cheptumo (Baringo North), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru Town), John Mututho (Naivasha), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South) and Peris Simam (Eldoret South).
Mr Ruto's remarks came a day after Lands minister James Orengo also called for the resettlement of refugees on land outside the Rift Valley.
The Government, through spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua, announced that the operation will be for "displaced Kenyans who are ready to go back to their farms and homes they lived in before the post-election violence."
Distant places
"Major arrangements have been made on the ground and all concerned Government agencies and departments are ready for the operation," he said in a statement posted on his website.
He said the Government was committed to the resettlement of all refugees and all Kenyans have the right to live or own property anywhere.
"The Government encourages all wananchi and leaders to ensure that this fundamental right and harmony are protected and nurtured," he said.
He said it was heartening that already some camps such as Kipkelion have been closed after all refugees went back to their homes.
Dr Mutua said the Government will review the exercise he expects to gather momentum on Thursday.
Security staff will escort or ferry those going to distant places in lorries. Most of the exercise will be in Rift Valley that bore the brunt of post-election violence.
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Those at Eldoret show ground will be returned to their homes in Uasin Gishu District. Others from Molo and Nakuru will be moved to their previous homes in Kuresoi. In the Cherangany camp, they will be moved to their homes in Trans Nzoia and those living in police stations in Western and Nyanza provinces will be assisted to go back to where they came from.
Others who are living in Kericho, Naivasha and Limuru will also be evacuated.
On Sunday, humanitarian organisations operating in Rift Valley said the Government had not involved them in the planned resettlement.
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