Mt Elgon leaders are divided over the compensation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the area.

MP Fred Kapondi has accused the provincial administration of favouring some people to benefit from the Sh40.2 million allocated to the victims at the expense of genuine IDPs.

But, outgoing district commissioner Muhammed Biriki denies the claims, insisting that the 4,260 households targeted as beneficiaries would get their share of the fund.

The DC said the cash was meant for those whose houses and property were burnt during the operation to flush out Sabaot Land Defence Force and not IDPs who voluntarily fled the district.

Mr Biriki said the district would receive an additional Sh97 million this week for reconstruction of houses for the 4,260 families and other deserving cases.

However, Mr Kapondi who was addressing his constituents at Cheptais High School claimed the list used to pay the IDPs comprised names of foreigners and some provincial administrators' families.

Peace efforts

He said the process was flawed and cited cases where chiefs and special programmes officers had enlisted their families to benefit at the expense of the IDPs.

He said Kopsiro Division which was most affected during the two-year conflict had names of 750 people missing.

This could jeopardise the existing peace and reconciliation efforts in the district, he said.