IDP groups differ over compensation claims

A group of former Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Mai Mahiu and Burnt Forest have dismissed the group of IDPs that recently vowed to sue the government for missing out on compensation, saying they are not genuine.

The group said those who plan to sue the government are “businessmen” whose motive is to profit on the plight of those who suffered during the 2007/2008 post election violence.

They added that the government has been assisting the IDPs and asked the genuine IDPs who might have missed out on compensation to seek audience with the government.

The group, under the auspices of the Kenya Peace and Reconciliation Team, further called for termination of the ongoing criminal case against Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang at The Hague saying those who were affected had already been reconciled.

Led by retired Major John Seii and Stephen Mbugua, the IDPs said there was no need for the case to go on yet those who were involved in the conflict had already forgiven each other and resettled.

About 200 IDPs in Burnt Forest last week threatened to sue the national government over neglect.

This comes barely two weeks after Deputy President William Ruto issued cheques to IDPs in Yamumbi, Eldoret as part of the government’s resettlement plan.

The 2007/2008 Post Election Violence victims claimed they have not received a single cent from the government yet other IDPs have been given money for resettlement.

Led by their chairman Mr Stephen Kagwe Njuguna, they said the government had neglected and sidelined them for eight years now.

They added that no one had ever listened to their resettlement pleas while other IDPs were receiving government support.