Police burn houses of families in Mau Forest

By Kipchumba Kemei

More than 67 families were left homeless after their houses were burnt by police in the 146,800 hectare Maasai Mau Forest.

Property worth millions of shillings was reduced to ashes on a settlement area inside the forest where the families have been living awaiting for resettlement or compensation from the State.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned the action by the police, saying investigation into the incident has been launched.

“The burning of houses is uncalled for and investigation into the incident have started and those responsible will be brought to book,” the Prime Minister said through his spokesman Dennis Onyango.

On Tuesday, the families claimed the move was a ploy to force them out of the forest and vowed to resist eviction.

“It is shocking that APs who form part of the Joint Mau Security Enforcement Team have been dispatched to displace us when we are waiting for compensation or resettlement,” said the claimants’ spokesperson William Cheruiyot.

Three years ago, the Government carried out verification of settlers title deeds in the block that forms the entire 400,000 hectare Mau Complex and promised to either resettle or compensate the families. Valuation of the parcels of land has also been carried out.

Cheruiyot accused the Government of being insincere in its earlier pledge not to evict them and claimed the Provincial Administration was behind the torching of houses.

Affected families are now camping by the road side in Sierra Leone area in the forest while others are living with their relatives in adjacent areas.

“We appeal to the Government to provide shelter to the affected and ensure that schoolgoing children attend clases. The incident violates the Constitution that states that all Kenyans are entitled to shelter,” said Cheruiyot who led a delegation that met Narok South DC Chimwaga Mongo.

Mr Mongo directed the area AP boss Patrick Aoko to identify the officers who carried out the attack.