Rift Valley MPs oppose phase three Mau evictions

By James Munyeki

Leaders in Rift Valley Province have opposed the third phase of evictions from the Mau Forest.

They vowed to block the move expected to take place next week and instead called on proper measures to resettle those who would be affected.

Led by Agriculture Minister William Ruto, the leaders asked the Government to put in place proper compensation measures.

Mr Ruto questioned the past evictions. "We should not just evict people in the name of environmental conservation. Proper measures should first be made so that we do not create another lot of IDPs," he said.

funds drive

Ruto was speaking on Friday during a funds drive in aid of Tuiyobei Primary School on the Baringo-Laikipia border. He was accompanied by MPs Charles Keter (Bergut), Sammy Mwaita (Baringo central) and Joseph Lekuton (Laisamis).

The leaders criticised the past Mau evictions and cautioned that such occurrence should not happen at the controversial Marmanet Forest in Laikipia.

"The Government should be careful this time round. The Marmanet people should not be evicted since they own the land," said Mr Keter.

He maintained that majority of people in the area had legal title deeds.