An IDP camp in Lamu. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Lamu County have raised concerns over an infestation of bedbugs and Nairobi flies.The IDPs said the insects have made their lives in the camps unbearable. The IDPs who live in camps at Katsaka Kairu in Witu Division fled their homes following increased terror attacks in the area.Elizabeth Mwangale, an IDP at the camp, said the bedbugs and flies have made their lives more miserable. She urged the government and well-wishers to salvage the situation, adding that children are the most affected.“So many children have what appear to be sunburn marks all over their bodies due to being bitten by the Nairobi flies. Our beddings are full of bedbugs. There are so many lice here too. We can’t stop itching and scratching. It is horrible. We barely get to sleep. They should help us,” said Mwangale, as quoted by Baraka FM.Her sentiments were echoed by the camp’s chairperson Simon Mgumba who said the IDPs are suffering from various health issues due to the insects, lack of proper tents and poor sanitation.They have now asked the national government to intervene in the situation.This comes a few days after Lamu County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo asked the IDPs to return to their homes.The IDPs, however, have maintained that they will remain in the camps until the government compensates them for the losses they incurred after fleeing their homes.They also want to be assured of their security once they return home.The camps have become home to more than 2000 IDPs from different areas including Maleli, Nyongoro, Pandanguo, Kakathe, Boramoyo, Taa, Jima, and Poromoko villages.