afrol News, 4 January - Kenya's ongoing days of political unrest has resulted to worsening humanitarian situation in the country, with tens of thousands of people running for safety.

Most of the displaced refugees, who have had their houses burnt as well as properties looted or vandalised, have been flocking into Eldoret town, close to the Uganda border.

Kikuyus [members of President Kibaki's tribe] have been attacked by irate youths belonging to rival tribes, accusing the Kikuyu-led government of stealing victory from the main opposition Orange Democratic Movement leader, Raila Odinga.

Though sanity has prevailed in the town, but the refugees who have sought shelter in churches and police stations, have been without food.

Aid workers fear of a possible outbreak of epidemics as a result of the poor hygienic situations faced by the displaced people.

Red Cross officials said 82,000 displaced people in the North Rift Valley province urgently needed humanitarian assistance.

The bloody unrest has placed a heavy burden on hospital in Kenya, with most of them short of oxigen and blood.

The Director of Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Omar Aly the hospital's patients records has raised from 500 to 700. On average, the hospital has been treating 130 patients since the unrest began last Sunday.

Majority of the people have been hospitalised by machete or arrow wounds.

Most of the region's landlocked countries that have been relying on Kenya for seaport services have since faced problems, including fuel shortages. The movement of goods and services between Kenya and its neighbours have been restricted.

Meanwhile, President Kibaki broke his silence on the unrest. He said his government can only dialogue with the opposition only if "the political temperatures are lowered enough."

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories