Gideon urges communities living in the Mau to co-exist peacefully

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (pictured) has called on residents of eastern Mau who were evicted from the forest and are pushing for resettlement to co-exist in peace.

Speaking in Nessuit where he met residents of Nessuit, Mauche and Marioshoni, the Kanu national chairman assured residents that they have nothing to worry about because the land issue is being handled at the highest level of government.

“I came here today to share and listen to you. Let us live in peace and love one another. We belong to one house, one family,” Gideon said yesterday.

The senator also donated assorted food items to the locals, adding that Moi Day, which has been renamed Huduma Day, was one of sharing and listening to the people.

Gideon was in the company of Nakuru County Assembly deputy speaker Samuel Tonui, Mauche MCA Philip Rotich, his Marioshoni counterpart Douglas Ayabei and nominated MCA Maureen Lesingo.

He assured the residents that each one of them will get their rightful share of land, adding that their local representatives had shown true leadership by fighting for their resettlement.

“We are your eyes and ears. I have listened to you; I have met your leaders and we have discussed your issues which are being addressed.”

Rotich thanked the senator for his selflessness, saying that Gideon had listened to them at a time when no one was willing to give them an ear as State agencies evicted them from the forest.

Lasting solution

The senator, he added, had played a key role in ensuring that a lasting solution was found.

“Thank you on behalf of the Mau people because of the settlement. When evictions started, we said we have to seek solutions. We came to you and you listened to us.

“You made call to President Uhuru Kenyatta and our issues are now being addressed,” Rotich said.

The MCA wondered how much more the senator would do if elected to serve in a more powerful office.

“If you assisted us in those two days when we came and you are just a senator, what will happen if we push you a step ahead to a higher position? We will live well,” he said.

Ayabei described Gideon as their saviour, saying that he had come to their rescue when they were desperate and needy and everyone was running away from them.

Residents who spoke said the senator has their full support, and that his father, the late President Daniel Moi, lives through him.

“Spread your cloth that we may bless it. We have cried for long and have always wanted to see Mzee alive. We now know he lives; he gave us a lion,” said Elijah Rotich.

Johana Ng’eno, another resident, said that for long, they had been prevented from reaching out to the top leadership to have their issues addressed. But Gideon, he noted, had ensured their problems were heard and resolved.

Ng’eno urged the senator to press on with the Mau land issue, adding that they did not know any other home.