Fiery speakers ‘gagged’ in Mau to avoid controversy

By Alex Kiprotich

In an effort to downplay political undertones at the launch of Mau tree planting, hasty measures including withdrawing names of fiery politicians from the list of speakers, were undertaken.

The Standard on Sunday has established that speakers at the function were carefully chosen to ensure politics did not overshadow the landmark launch of the restoration of the Mau complex. Politics nonetheless popped in the function, which was presided over by Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Outspoken critic of Agriculture Minister Musa Sirma was not given a chance to address the crowd despite earlier being earmarked to speak. He expressed shock at the end of the function.

"I do not know why they did not slot me to speak yet I was ready to pour out my heart," Sirma said.

The nominated MP said it could have been better if they were allowed to speak rather than treading carefully on the obvious.

"I think we should have been given an opportunity to address the people. Mau has all been politicised but nevertheless the Kipkelion MP spoke for us," he said.

The MP has criticised Ruto for his association with Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka over ‘KKK’ political alliance. National Heritage Minister William ole Ntimama is another fiery politician who was not given an opportunity to address the crowd.

Many expected that the Narok North MP would take the opportunity to attack owners of huge chunks of land in the Mau who have refused to surrender their titles.

During the ceremony, Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas spoke on behalf of the Maa community.

Lankas insisted that they were there to plant trees and not to evict people.

Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale is yet another fiery politician who attended the function and despite the crowd demanding that he addresses them, was not given a chance.

Molo MP Joseph Kiuna who was the master of ceremonies. He said he had to stick to the list of speakers earlier picked.

"It was purely conservation efforts and you could see we were cautious on who was to address the public," he said. Out of the three members of ODM Pentagon who were present, it was only the Prime Minister who spoke.

However, Education Assistant Minister Kilemi Mwiria surprised many when he tore into the character of those opposing the PM.

Dr Mwiria said there was nothing wrong with Raila building his name by doing good deeds to Kenyans.

PNU Cabinet ministers apart from Noah Wekesa and MPs allied to President Kibaki boycotted the exercise.