Ogiek oppose ongoing demarcation of Mau Forest boundaries

Ogiek Peoples' Development Program (OPDP) Executive Director Daniel Kobei (centre) flanked by Members of Ogiek community and Kenya National commission on Human Rights vice Chairperson Nyeris Raymond (left) at Marioshoni in Nakuru county on December 11, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] The Ogiek community has opposed the ongoing demarcation of boundaries within the Mau Forest complex, citing that the exercise goes against the African Court ruling. The Ogiek said that the exercise, which is being undertaken by the government, did not involve the community that the African Court ruled in their favour. Speaking during the anniversary to mark the eight years since the ruling of the African Court on Human & Peoples' Rights, the community says they are set to report back to court on June 4, for the implementation hearing. "It is sad that today marks eight years since we won the case, which has never been implemented. The government has not involved us in what is currently happening in Mau. We want to be granted a communal title so that as a community we protect our land and our forests," Ogiek People Development Programme Coordinator Mr Daniel Kobei said. In May 2017, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, affirmed the Ogiek's status as ancestral owners of the Mau Forest and ordered the Kenyan government to compensate the community for both material and moral losses, grant them collective title to their ancestral land, and reform policy and legislation denying Indigenous peoples their rights. The reactions from the Ogiek come weeks after the government initiated a boundary demarcation process in Eastern Mau, following the 2001 map. In November last year African Court convened in Arusha and gave the Kenyan government time to file a report on measures it has taken to comply with its ruling. The African Court case involving the Ogiek community in Kenya resulted in a landmark ruling in 2017, finding the Kenyan government had violated the Ogiek's rights and ordering them to take steps to remedy the violations. The Court also ordered reparations, including compensation for material and moral damages, and mandated the government to recognize and protect the Ogiek's rights In June 2022, the African Court further delivered judgment on reparations, bringing to a close 13 years of litigation. "Despite the African Court ruling in our favour, the government has undertaken several eviction exercises targeting us. Most of our community members are living in camps and, sadly, the government is not involving us in any of its activities within our areas of residence," said John Sironga, Ogiek Council of Elders' chairman. Sironga added that besides forceful evictions, the government's refusal to comply with the court orders has continued to result in endless historical injustices. Sarah Osasi, an Ogiek women leader, lamented that women and children are the most affected groups as a result of the government's forceful evictions and delays in the implementation of court cases. "We are eager to hear what the Kenyan government will report to the Court regarding the progress of implementation," Osasi said.

Ogiek oppose ongoing demarcation of Mau Forest boundaries

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Ogiek oppose ongoing demarcation of Mau Forest boundaries

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