After the devastating 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya, thousands were left homeless, forced to live as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Many of these individuals have endured nearly two decades in dire conditions, with the government making repeated promises to resettle them—yet, three administrations later, a permanent solution remained elusive.
A Humanitarian Turning Point
Jeremy Damaris, widely recognized for his work with Kenya Diaspora Media USA, emerged as a beacon of hope for the Jerico camp IDPs in Nyahururu, Laikipia. During a visit to the camp, he was deeply moved by the plight of the elderly and sick, many of whom were sleeping in the cold, especially during the relentless rainy season. Their suffering and vulnerability galvanized him into action.
Mobilizing the Diaspora: A 3-Day Miracle
Leveraging his influence and connections within the Kenyan diaspora, Jeremy Damaris quickly mobilized friends and well-wishers across the globe. In a remarkable show of solidarity and compassion, they managed to raise funds and purchase 10 acres of land for the IDPs—an achievement realized in just three days. This rapid intervention stands in stark contrast to the government’s 17 years of unfulfilled promises.
A New Beginning for the Displaced
Thanks to Jeremy’s generosity of his network, the IDPs now will have a chance to move out of tents and into a place they can call home. This act of philanthropy not only provided immediate relief but also restored dignity and hope to some of Kenya’s most vulnerable citizens.
Legacy of Compassion
Jeremy Damaris’s actions exemplify the power of individual initiative and the impact of diaspora communities in addressing local humanitarian crises. His story is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, determination, and collective effort come together to serve those most in need.
Jeremy Damaris’s intervention at the Jerico camp in Nyahururu stands out not only for its speed and compassion but also for its integrity. While many genuine IDPs have languished in tents for years, some people—hoping to benefit from resettlement—have left their own land to join the camp and claim aid. Recognizing this challenge, Jeremy is conducting thorough due diligence to ensure that only those who are truly displaced and in need will benefit from the new land allocation.
This careful vetting process is critical, especially given the history of land and aid fraud in Kenya. By verifying the backgrounds and circumstances of each applicant, Jeremy is working to prevent opportunists from taking advantage of the initiative, thus protecting the interests of the most vulnerable—the elderly and the sick who have suffered in harsh, cold conditions for years
Jeremy’s approach ensures that the 10 acres purchased through the support of his diaspora friends will go to those who genuinely lost everything in the post-election violence, restoring fairness and dignity to the resettlement process. His commitment to transparency and accountability sets a new standard for humanitarian interventions in Kenya. For more on his ongoing humanitarian work and updates on the IDP resettlement, Jeremy Damaris continues to share progress and inspire action through his Kenya Diaspora Media USA platform
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