The first batch of 200 internal refugees who had been camping at Naivasha left for their respective homes Wednesday, uncertain of what lay ahead.

Hundreds of other refugees adopted a wait-and-see attitude, saying they were not sure of the security situation at their homes.

They cited a case in Molo, where two people were attacked. That, to them, was an indication that all was not well on the ground.

A sombre mood engulfed the camp as the first batch left, with most of the people, who had formed a strong bond, shedding tears.

New life

There were three lorries provided by the Government - one was headed to Kipkelion and two to Uasin Gishu District.

"My district officer came to collect me from the camp and made security assurances, hence the decision to return to my Kipkelion home," said Mr George Wangaruro.

He, however, said he was returning home to start life afresh as all his property was razed in the post-election violence.

There are more than 3,000 internal refugees in Naivasha camps.

Mr Wangaruro left his family behind. He will assess the situation on the ground before coming back for them.

"I want to be sure of the security situation before ferrying my family back to our home," he said.

Most of the families said they had left the camp voluntarily.

Unbearable

Many said life at the camp had become unbearable due to food and water shortages, among other logistical problems.

Eighty-year-old Beatrice Wairimu said she was looking forward to returning to her Kamuyu farm in Burnt Forest, having been assured of the security situation.

"People residing there have assured me that life is going on smoothly, and there is nothing to fear," said the elderly woman.

Like many others returning to their homes, she was heading home to start life from the scratch after all she had was destroyed in the violence.

Mr Joseph Ng'ang'a, from Moiben in Eldoret, said he was eager to go back to his 30-acre farm.

He urged the Government to find a lasting solution to the conflict that recurred every election year.