Rangers finish first phase of Mau evictions

By Philip Ruto

Forest officers deployed to evict squatters from the South West Mau have concluded their work.

Kenya Forest Service Deputy Commandant Alex Lemarkoko termed the operation "very successful". The process lasted three weeks.

Mr Lemarkoko attributed the success to application of United Nations Forced Eviction guidelines.

The UN guidelines advocate for a participatory approach involving evictees.

The officers were dispatched to evict close to 5, 000 families in the first phase of Mau reclamation.

The forest officers were stationed at Olenguruone, Kapkembu, Chematich and Saino.

Lemarkoko told The Standard in an interview that the operation was humane, contrary to previous evictions in which houses were burnt and property destroyed.

Executed mandate

"Our mandate was to relocate persons living illegally in the forestland. We have executed that mandate efficiently and peacefully," he said.

Lemarkoko added: "Although our work was to ensure no squatters remained in the forest, rangers went out of their way and provided humanitarian assistance to evictees."

He praised his officers for discipline during the operation.

Said he: "The KFS already has a working engagement with communities through the Communities Forest Associations, which boosted communication".

Lemarkoko said the officers would patrol the area until evictees harvest their crops and moved from the camps.

The squatters have since left the forest and are living in camps on the edge of the forest in Kipkongor, Kipkoris, Terta, Kurbanyat and Kapkembu. The Mau conservation has split politicians, with some Rift Valley MPs breaking ranks with Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the drive.