IDPs And The Broken Promises

The 2007/2008 post election violence initiated one of the most severe humanitarian disasters in Kenya. Displacement of persons who previously had homes and livelihoods took centre stage as tribes warred against each other. There are many reasons that have been cited for the chaos among them vote rigging, tribal supremacy, poverty, land inequality, hooliganism and sheer rage or incitement from powerful leaders. There have been attempts to address the core issues but in retrospect, there are many displaced whose hopes have been shattered and restoration has been an uphill task.

The government has from time to time given deadlines for resettling the displaced but so far, these promises are yet to be honored. December 2010 was yet another timeline given to resettle IDPS. Even as the middle of this year draws near, the displaced are in their thousands spending nights in cold worn out tents. Resettlement has been done for a number but this has not been enough. The government has been accused of laxity, miscalculation and mismanagement of the IDP crisis. Cases of corruption have certainly been reported and monies have gone unaccounted for bringing to the forefront the ugly reality of persisting corruption. 

Broken promises to the IDPs also touch on justice. The coalition government after having signed the accord promised to stand by justice and bring to book perpetrators of the violence. However, up to date, very few or no prosecutions have been made and the so-called ‘big fish’ are yet to face justice. As if this is not enough, top government officials are against the international justice system as provided by the ICC. Impunity once gain seems to be winning the day. On a bright side, the government together with humanitarian groups has made an effort to feed and to source other basic items for the displaced. This effort has however not been enough because on the ground, people’s dignity has greatly been compromised.  

IDPs in various areas can talk about one broken promise after the other. The picture is not entirely ridden with gloom; there are organizations that have played a pivotal part in making life bearable for the IDPS. Family Media and Habitat for Humanity are just an example of organizations on the ground that is making a difference. In partnership, they are building permanent homes to a tune of 27 million. By the end of 3 months, a total of 135 stone homes will be built to settle IDPs of Maai Mahiu. ‘Building hope; one people united’ project should inspire more people to take on the responsibility to ensure that fellow human beings are living in dignity. Because of this project, many men and women of Maai Mahiu will have at least one promise fulfilled.