KENYA: Samuel Mwangi, "Being an IDP is like being in jail"

Photo: Ann Weru/IRIN

Samuel Mwangi's family is yet to resettle two years after they fled their home

NANYUKI, 4 November 2009 (IRIN) - Two years after violence forced Samuel Mwangi off his farm in the Kiambogo location of Nakuru District in Rift Valley Province, the father of seven is still struggling to rebuild his life and educate his children. Rift Valley, one of Kenya's grain baskets, was the worst-affected by the violence and food security has yet to recover.

Mwangi, who is now living in the central region of Laikipia as an internally displaced person (IDP), spoke to IRIN:

"Before the violence, I had a five-acre farm in Kiambogo where I used to grow maize and beans. I would say that by local standards I was a 'kabudaa' [slang for a rich man]. I also used to buy cereals from neighbouring farms, which I would then re-sell to the National Cereals Board.

"After the violence started [in early 2008], we fled Kiambogo and had to walk many kilometres to Nakuru town [Rift Valley's capital]. I left one of my injured parents behind when we fled as I could do nothing to help.

"Once in Nakuru, we got a lift to Kiganjo [in central Kenya] where we found ourselves stranded for three days. We then found our way to Naromoru [also in central] where we stayed in a makeshift tent by the sewerage area for six months relying on help from well-wishers.

"Then one day, one of the local chiefs asked me to work as a farm caretaker in the neighbouring area of Murero. This is the job I now have. I also work as a casual labourer digging people's farms and helping clean cowsheds to earn some money.

"I have enrolled my children in the local schools although paying school fees is difficult. I go to the schools and explain my situation to the headmaster so that he keeps allowing my children to stay in school even without any money.

"We are still waiting for the promised government compensation money [about US$465] to buy a cow and some goats as the money cannot buy land. In the meantime, we are also relying on relief food.

"I have heard that people have gone back to their former homes but even if I am told to return, I do not think I will. There is nothing left [there] for me; no property, no land and maybe I will be attacked again.

"We have been hearing on the radio that people are getting new land to resettle. If I get new land I will willingly go even if it is not fertile and full of stones. I will go there and develop it the best way I can as I believe in hard work. The most important thing is security.

"Even on the farm where I am a caretaker, I am planting some trees and vegetables to express my gratitude to the [farm] owner for letting my family have a place to live.

"We are facing many challenges two years after we left home but it is often not easy speaking directly to those who should be assisting us. Being an IDP is like being in jail."

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