MPs accuse politicians of frustrating IDPs resettlement

Five MPs from Central and Rift Valley regions have accused some politicians of inciting locals to resist the resettlement of displaced persons.Consequently, they want the Government to freeze foreign trips of all Cabinet ministers and State officials until all IDPs are resettled.
They argue the move would ensure politicians take resettlement of displaced persons seriously.
"We are asking the President and the Prime Minister to freeze foreign trips of ministers, and other Government officials until this issue is resolved," said Sports Assistant Minister Kabando wa Kabando.
He called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to take action on politicians inciting the public against resettlement of the IDPs.
"We suspect there is an unholy alliance working to frustrate the efforts of resettlement," said Kabando wa Kabando. Molo MP, Joseph Kiuna claimed that aborted resettlement of IDPs in Mau-Narok was incited by local politicians.
"It is unfortunate that members of a local community from the neighbouring Narok County have been blocking any efforts to resettle IDPs," said Mr Kiuna. Industrialisation Assistant Minister Ndiritu Muriithi said it is the right of the IDPs to be settled anywhere, as provided for in the Constitution. Others at the press conference, at Parliament buildings were Githunguri MP, Njoroge Baiya and Subukia MP, Nelson Gaichuhie.
Original farmsMalindi MP, Gideon MungÌaro, has filed a Motion in Parliament calling for resettlement of IDPs, without necessarily forcing the Government to buy land. He wants them to be settled in their original farms and their business premises given back to them.
Mung’aro argued that peace and security now prevails in areas where IDPs were evicted at the height of the violence.
Meanwhile, Gichugu MP Martha Karua wants the Government to explain why displaced persons cannot be resettled in their original homes.
And nominated MP Millie Odhiambo Mabona wants the Government to disclose the fate and state of IDPs who are stranded at Endebess in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, after locals rejected attempts to resettlement them in the area.
Ms Karua suggested that Government should give the victims money to buy land and settle in places of their choice.
–Stories by Peter Opiyo and David Ochami, Ally Jamah