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CHEPKITALE OGIEK CALL OUT
16. August 2008
We the Chepkitale Ogiek (Ndorobos) urgently request the Government
of Kenya to immediately lift the restrictions it has imposed on
aid agencies since July 2008 from accessing Chepkitale. We see
this as another armtwisting by the PC and DC to force the Ndorobos
out of their traditional homes of Chepkitale.
We call on the Government of Kenya to fully respect humanitarian
principles and the impartiality and neutrality of voluntary and
non-governmental organizations, allowing them to operate freely
and with
unrestricted access to those in need.
We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Mt
Elgon where, despite requests made by the MSF (B) and other
humanitarian agencies, operations of voluntary and
non-governmental organizations remain restricted.
These groups have a vital role in the delivery of humanitarian aid,
including much needed medical assistance.
Due to the inability of these agencies to operate, expectant
mothers and Children have died of treatable diseases like malaria,
typhoid and pneumonia.
This ban must be lifted immediately so that aid organizations can
carry out their relief work and avert a catastrophic humanitarian
crisis. It is a known fact that the Government has not been
capable of providing health care and food supplies. If it was not
for ECHO and MSF the Ogiek could have been wiped out by hunger and
disease.
Chepkitale residents were already suffering from food shortages
and lack of medical care, a situation made worse by the outlawed
Sabaot Land Defense Force and the violence that followed the
disputed December elections.
Fred Matei
CIPDP
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