West Pokot displaced families plead for resettlement

Landslide victims at Nyarkulian Primary School in West Pokot. The families are staring at a humanitarian crisis in the eye. [Kevin Tunoi, Standard]

Families displaced following landslides and floods in West Pokot have urged the government to resettle them.

The families from Chepkamos location who are now camping in schools, fear they may be left in the cold once schools open next week.

A visit to Ptoo Primary School where they are camping, revealed that most of them do not have bedding and food.

Chekamos sub location chief Julius Longuriareng said more than 390 people were affected by the landslides and are camping at Ptoo, Kareu, Topno, and Simat  Primary schools.

“They are not in a position to go back to their homes because the area is still unsafe and is prone to landslides. They are living in camps after their houses, foodstuff and roads were destroyed,” he said.

Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto visited the families camping at Ptoo Primary School and donated foodstuff and bedding. “The multi-agency committee should also think of resettling those affected in West Pokot sub-county because they can’t go back to their homes. The schools are almost opening and parents do not have fees for their children,” he said.