Mau issue to renew rivalry as Raila Odinga, William Ruto seek votes in South Rift

Some of the houses were demolished by Kenya Forest (KFS) Officers at the Kapsinendet area in Marioshoni within the Mau Forest Complex on July 11, 2020, during an operation to flush out illegal settlers in the forest. Several houses were destroyed and hundreds displaced. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

As the clock ticks towards the General Election and the presidential race gains momentum, the unending Mau forest complex issue is expected to reignite debate among top contenders.

When the Government evicted people in the year 2019 many thought it will deter politicians from using it as a political tool, but the issue is now set to be political fodder yet again as leaders hunt for votes. The eviction saw the Government reclaim over 22,000 hectares of land in the area. In November 2019, the Government through the Ministry of Environment launched a 10 million tree planting exercise.