Mau evictions will be humane, says Deputy President William Ruto

The Jubilee government has pledged to conduct humane evictions in Mau Forest.

Deputy President William Ruto said the Government was committed to resolving the Mau Forest controversy in a bid to conserve the water tower.

"Conservation of the Mau Forest does not mean brutal eviction. We can conserve the place without being brutal. The issue of conserving Mau is not negotiable," he said.

He said the Government was determined to work with the community in Mau to fast-track issues of resettlement and conservation of the water-catchment area.

Ruto warned politicians against politicising the Mau issue, saying it should not be made a source of conflict.

Speaking in Narok during Mara Day celebrations on Monday, Ruto said the Government intends to involve county governments within the affected area so that they could negotiate the issue amicably.

He ordered that new settlers should not be allowed in the forest and urged those occupying it to replace trees that have been cut down.

"Trees should be planted around the forest and after that, we will begin resettling the community. This will be done methodically and clearly," he said.

He said this would underscore the Government's commitment to protecting and preserving the Mara Basin.

"The basin is home to the eighth wonder of the world because of the wildebeest migration, and serves other roles. Conserving it will ensure benefits to millions of people in Kenya and Tanzania," he said.

Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Judy Wakhungu said eviction of squatters from the forest was still a complicated issue because there was need to strike a balance between conservation and allowing people to enjoy their livelihoods.