The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), working under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), have helped the people of Muruai Oolkidemi village in Baringo County return to their homes.
In a statement by the KDF on Wednesday, April 16, the KDF stated that these families had been displaced for more than 20 years due to intercommunal clashes in the Mukutani area.
During the resettlement event, the KDF team distributed various supplies, including clean drinking water and organised a medical camp to assist the returning families.
Officer Commanding Mukutani Forward Operating Base (FOB), Captain Kizito Mbingi, during the event assured residents of their safety as they began rebuilding their lives.
“The multi-agency security team is here to ensure you settle safely and resume your normal life. We are committed to guaranteeing your safety,” said Mbingi.
An elder and chairperson representing the resettled families, Samson Lekumbe, expressed deep gratitude to the security teams for their efforts in restoring peace.
“We are truly grateful for your efforts. Thanks to you, we can return home after so many years. It feels good to be home again. Thank you for the water and medical support,” he said.
Displacement in Baringo County is a recurring issue driven by factors including social unrest, insecurity and climate change.
Disputes over resources like water and pasture, cattle rustling, and suspected boundary issues have led to significant displacement, impacting thousands of households.
On the other hand, climate-related events like drought and floods have also forced displacement, particularly affecting indigenous communities residing in lake regions.
According to a report by the Kenya Red Cross Society in August 2024, the cumulative number of displaced households is 4,454, an increase from 2,951 recorded in March 2024.
In April 2024, the Kenya Red Cross stated that the total affected population—those who have lost their lives and livelihoods across all the counties—is 172,270 people.
