This archive report was first published on 12 September 2021.
Laikipia residents have rejected houses constructed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, citing ongoing insecurity in the region.
On September 11, 2021, Matiang'i launched an initiative to rebuild homes destroyed by bandits and urged hundreds of displaced residents to return to their homes.
However, on September 12, 2021, residents expressed hesitation to return, arguing that it was too risky due to the presence of bandits.
They further stated that it was pointless for the state to construct houses and ask them to return home when the bandits were still at large.
A woman who sought refuge at a school shared her concerns, stating, "This is the second time I have been displaced from my house. I cannot go back because I am suffering from Diabetes. I will live in a tent donated by Red Cross," as reported by Kenyan Digest.
Another resident corroborated her claims, noting that some bandits hid in maize plantations before striking homes at night.
"My prayer to the government is that they should ensure that all the bandits have been flushed out so that we can live in peace. It is pointless that they are building us houses yet the bandits are still in the hideout. We will not enjoy the houses," the resident stated, as reported by Citizen TV.
