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Kenya: It's a New Start for Post-Poll Victims
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The East African Standard (Nairobi)
8 May 2008
Posted to the web 7 May 2008
Osinde Obare
Nairobi
Some displaced people in Trans Nzoia spent the first night on their farms after living in camps for four months.
In the place of iron sheet houses, which dotted the valleys and hills of the Cherangany farmland last year, they all took shelter in the tents.
"For now, life is difficult but I'm determined to try my level best to put things back to normal, although it will take time," said Mr David Atuti, a father of two.
Many had erected the tents they were using at the Kabuchorwa IDP camp while they construct new houses.
A group of women gathered with their children to pray and thank God for having kept them alive.
There was a hive of activity at Geta farm in Trans-Nzoia East District, as those returning started rebuilding.
They were using iron sheets and nails provided by the Government last week.
There was a buzz of activity in homesteads as both the old and young chipped in.
On some farms, as some were busy putting up new houses, others were on their farms planting, with seeds and fertiliser donated by the Government.
Atuti's neighbour, Mr Peter Omete was busy collecting debris of his destroyed four rooms, semi-permanent house, as his wife Grace prepared lunch.
"We are happy to be back here, because this is our home and we look forward to start a new life," he said.
Most complained that lack of basic needs could make life difficult, unless the State supports them.
"My children are expected to report to school, but have no uniforms because they were burned after the houses were torched," lamented Mrs Grace Nyabando.
All returnees interviewed said they had forgiven those who burned their homes and were ready to reconcile.
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"I have no grudge. I have forgiven those who attacked us and torched our homes," said Mr John Motari.
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