Gideon Moi says G7 prayer meetings useless

By JOB WERU and MICHAEL SAITOTI

Former Baringo Central MP Gideon Moi has called for speedy resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Moi also dismissed prayer meetings held by a section of leaders under the G7 Alliance as useless unless they press for compensation and resettlement of IDPs.

Speaking when he represented his father, retired President Moi at Samburu AIC Girls in Maralal, Moi advised leaders to put the interest of the country first.

From right, Kanu National vice- chairman Gideon Moi, Tea Research Foundation of Kenya chairman, Sammy Chepkwony, and Kanu Secretary General, Nick Salat, do a jig during the inauguration of Chemachgaa water project at Ainamoi constituency in Kericho County on Saturday. [PHOTO: PETER MUTAI/STANDARD]

"Let them ensure that IDPs are settled and compensated before they traverse the country," said Moi, who is also Kanu vice-chairman.

He said it was worrying that thousands of children and their parents were languishing in deplorable conditions in camps, almost five years after they lost property in the post-election chaos.

"Nobody can claim they are not aware of the violence. The best thing we can do is to ensure they are returned to their homes and compensated for the property they lost," he said.

Shun rustling

Moi also called on Kenyans to shun ethnic animosity especially at this time when Kenya was headed to elections, to avoid violence.

"Let us embrace peace and cohesion and lead an integrated country," he advised.

The former legislator presented a 62-seater bus valued at Sh7 million, donated by the former President to the school.

Samburu West MP and Provincial Administration Assistant Minister Simeon Lesrima, Samburu East MP Raphael Letimalo, and former MPs Nick Salat, and Joseph Kimkung accompanied Moi.

During the event, he urged pastoralist communities to drop retrogressive practices and cattle rustling and ensure that they take their children, especially girls, to schools.

"Mzee (former President) wants you to reward him for the donation by performing well," he told the students.

He continued: "I urge parents to ensure that their children are taken to schools. You must also shun cattle rustling, which causes loss of life and property and concentrate on peaceful coexistence for development to prevail."