We will resolve Mau issue, says DP

Deputy President Willam Ruto. [Photo, File]

Deputy President Willam Ruto has said the government is ready to sit down with Narok leaders and deliberate on ways to resolve the thorny Maasai Mau forest.

The DP, who spoke at Ololung’a in Narok South during the burial of retired chief and politician Samuel ole Koriata warned leaders against using the Mau forest issue to gain political mileage.

“Environmental matters are at the heart of Jubilee administration. Last year, I ordered illegal settlers out of the forest and already 2,500 people who had encroached the forest are now out,” said Ruto.

Ruto, who recently graduated with a PhD in Plant Ecology welcomed local politicians to his office to find lasting solutions on the Mau complex issue.

The DP was responding to Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina and Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta who had sought his intervention on the water tower.

“As the Deputy President you have the solution to this issue. If we will not save this forest, future generations will not fortgive us,” said Senator Ledama.

He said time for empty talk over the matter is over, and that it was high time government walks the talk.

On his part Mr Kenta accused some political leaders from Bomet and Kericho counties of being an impediment on Mau forest conservation.

The lawmaker also took the opportunity to ask Kericho Governor Prof Paul Chepkwony to withdraw a court case opposing eviction of 40,000 people in the looming phase two of Mau evictions, terming it inhumane.

Other leaders present at the event included Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku and MPs Korei Lemein, Gabriel Tongoyo and Lemanken Aramat.