Internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Kianjogu Jericho IDP Camp in Salama Ward, Laikipia County, received an early Christmas surprise this year, courtesy of Emmanuel Glory Ministries in Kayole, Nairobi. Led by Pastor Jane Wanjiru Kiarie, the church team delivered essential supplies, including foodstuffs, clothing, and sanitary goods, to the over 1,500 families residing at the camp.
The IDPs, victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, have been living under dire conditions for nearly two decades on a section of land purchased for them by the Mwai Kibaki administration. Despite the passage of time and numerous changes in government, no concrete efforts have been made to allocate the land officially to the families.
Pastor Jane expressed her disappointment at the continued neglect of the IDPs by successive administrations. “Since they became IDPs, we have had several governments, and it is unfortunate that none has acted to improve the lives of these people,” she remarked during the donation drive.
Grim Living Conditions
The Kianjogu Jericho IDP Camp is officially home to 3,600 residents, the majority of whom are women, children, and the elderly. They live in makeshift structures, mostly made of polythene sheets, which offer little protection from harsh weather or wildlife. The lack of clean water, sanitation facilities, and basic infrastructure exacerbates the challenges faced by these families.
The camp’s coordinator and IDP National Chief Whip, James Mwaura, highlighted the pressing need for land allocation to enable the residents to secure and develop their farms. According to Mwaura, outsiders have started encroaching on parts of the farm, creating tension among the IDPs.
“At times, elephants invade this area, posing great risks to the people since they live in polythene-walled structures in an unenclosed environment. Hyenas are also a common feature here, making it very hard for these people to keep livestock,” Mwaura stated.
A Long-Awaited Solution
Mwaura appealed to the government to conduct a survey of the land and officially allocate plots to the displaced families. Such an initiative, he emphasized, would not only help secure the land but also empower the IDPs to develop it and improve their living standards.
The land in question, purchased by the government nearly 20 years ago, remains underutilized, and without official allocation, the families are unable to establish permanent homes or engage in meaningful farming activities. Pastor Jane echoed this sentiment, urging authorities to act decisively to bring dignity and stability to the lives of these families.
Gratitude Amid Hardship
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the IDPs expressed heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Jane and her team for the early Christmas donations. The supplies, though temporary, brought much-needed relief to the families, many of whom struggle to meet their daily needs.
“We appreciate the love and support from the church. It gives us hope, especially during the festive season when life feels even harder,” one resident said.
A Call to Action
The plight of the IDPs at Kianjogu Jericho Camp underscores the urgent need for government intervention. Over the years, promises of land allocation and better living conditions have gone unfulfilled, leaving thousands of families in a cycle of poverty and insecurity.
As Christmas approaches, the gesture from Emmanuel Glory Ministries serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and community support. However, sustainable solutions require political will and action. Allocating the land, addressing infrastructure gaps, and ensuring the safety of the residents would mark a significant step toward restoring hope and dignity to these long-forgotten families.
The residents, the church, and community leaders continue to call upon the government to prioritize the needs of the IDPs, ensuring that future Christmas seasons are celebrated with stability, security, and joy.
