Internally Displaced Persons national chairman Peter Kariuki has warned political candidates against politicizing land issues during their campaigns as it revives their deep wounds of 2007/08 post election violence.
Kariuki was addressing the media in Nanyuki town on Wednesday where he gave Prime Minister Raila Odinga an ultimatum to cease inciting Kenyans on land issues.
“We respect the Prime Minister but he should be mindful of sensitive issues that revive our wounds for what happened during the 2007/08 post election violence,” said Kariuki.
Kariuki said that more than 100 000 IDPs were harboured at the Nakuru ASK show ground early January 2008 because of the violence, adding that they are still languishing in poverty in the camps.
“The Inspector General of police made it clear that land issues should not be addressed during the campaign trails as it also touches on the country’s security. As IDPs, we are telling the PM to sell his policies peacefully so as to curb violence in this nation,” added Kariuki.
He said that if such sensitive statements are uttered to Kenyans, all the IDP’s in Laikipia will hold a massive demonstration.
Kariuki said that Raila’s remarks have already started implanting tension and fear in Rift Valley.
“At Wiyumiririe camp, we have 9 610 IDPs who are hosted by the Ministry of Special Programmes on 4 600 acres of land. We want leaders who will salvage us from our calamities but not those who always feature in the news headlines conducting divisive politics,” Kariuki remarked.
He said that they are keenly watching and scrutinizing all candidates, adding that they should be very careful on what they are telling Kenyans.
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