Second phase of Mau forest evictions (Photos)

The second phase of Mau Forest evictions, targeting at least 60,000 families has kicked off.

Second phase of Mau Forest evictions kicks off. (Joseph Kipsang/Standard)

Government is seeking to reclaim about 17,000 acres of land in an exercise that has raised political temperatures in the country.

The first phase of evictions conducted last year led to the eviction of more than 10,000 families.

Security officers deployed to Mau Forest to maintain order as second phase of evictions kicks off. (Joseph Kipsang/Standard)

On Monday, residents were captured by The Standard’s Joseph Kipsang hurrying to evict the encroached land amid a contingent of security officers.

Affected residents protest State’s move to call on Mau Forest evictions. (Joseph Kipsang/Standard)

Political leaders from Rift Valley Region have dismissed closure of 15 schools in the area.

Last week, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya said the schools were illegally set up in the forest land and were yet to be demolished as the state embarks on the eviction targeting 60,000 people in Narok North and South.

Below are more images from the eviction. (All photos credited to Joseph Kipsang/Standard)