Shortages as fleeing families crowd camps
Camps for internally displaced people in the North Rift region are faced with food and shelter shortages, and possible health hazards as the numbers seeking assistance increase. The seven camps sheltering more than 100,000 victims of violence spawned by the disputed presidential election results have recorded an increased number of people seeking refuge in the last three days over fears of fresh attacks.
Statistics from the Kenya Red Cross Society indicate that the number of displaced people at the Eldoret showground has increased from 14,000 to 18,000 in the last three days. “The number of displaced people at the camps keeps fluctuating as those who had sought refuge among relatives come in. We have, however managed to provide them with relief food, tents, water, medicine and non-food items,” Red Cross governor Paul Birech said.
In Trans Nzoia District, 20,000 people are camped at Kachibora, 20,000 others are at Wamuini, 17,000 are at Endebess and 7,000 are at the Kitale showground. More than 10,000 displaced people are camping at the Burnt Forest in Uasin Gishu District and 3,000 others at Bishop Muge in Timboroa area. Mr Birech described the humanitarian situation in most camps as fair, but called on other well-wishers to assist. “We have not experienced a serious crisis in any of the camps, but there is fluctuating food supply, among other basic needs,” Mr Birech added.
But some of the victims disputed this, saying they faced food shortages and complained of poor hygienic conditions. They appealed to well-wishers to help in the construction of latrines and provision of health services. “We are faced with starvation. We have not received food rations in the three days we have been in the camp,” Ms Joyce Wanjiru from Kapsabet, who is camped at the Eldoret showground, claimed. “We are experiencing a lot of suffering here. The food rations are inadequate and general hygiene is poor. We pray for peace to return to enable us go back to our farms,” Mr David Maina said.
Daily Nation
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