Don’t blame us, squatters plead

By Kipchumba Kemei

Mau Forest settlers have said they are not to blame for occupying the water catchment area.

They said a legitimate Government authority allocated them land in the forest and they should be adequately compensated before they can move.

Speaking in Narok town yesterday, their spokesman Kipteigok Chumo said the Government should pursue prominent politicians and Government officials who sold them the land.

"The sanctity of title deeds or any other agreements of willing seller-willing buyer basis should be respected. We are being punished because of our political affiliations," said Mr Chumo.

They urged the Government to stop the planned eviction until it gets enough money to compensate

them.

"We expect to start harvesting our crops in a few months and we should not be hurried to leave," said Chumo.

He said the Government should not kick them out before they harvest, in four months time.

Environment Minister John Michuki has issued a notice to the more than 25,000 settlers to leave or be forcefully evicted by next week.

On Monday, Chumo said settlers with title deeds and other legal documents would not accept anything less than Sh100,000 per acre as compensation.