Gideon pledges to help Mau evictees

By VINCENT MABATUK

Kanu National Vice Chairman Gideon Moi has said he is ready to work together with the Mau evictees resettlement committee to ensure success of the exercise.

Gideon said his interest was to see those who were evicted by the Government in an effort to restore water towers in Mau, Embobut and Kipkurere forests get decent homes.

Speaking on Sunday during the opening ceremony of Ngorobich AIC church that was constructed through the support of the late mama Lenah Moi in Koibatek District, he said he would announce his political direction soon.

"There are many seats in the next election to be fought for apart from the presidency all the way to the MP, but I will announce what I will be interested in when the right time comes," he said.

The former Baringo Central MP challenged the East Africa Community Minister Musa Sirma, who had accompanied him, to serve the people regardless of their political affiliation.

He said Sirma is the only minister from the Tugen community and urged constituents to support his development agenda.

Gideon took the opportunity to thank the Kalenjin community for supporting former President Moi.

Sirma said the Mau committee has already acquired land to resettle the more than 15,000 families evicted from the forest in 2009.

He dismissed leaders from the region who have questioned the exercise.

"Those who want to continue making noise are free but they should understand that we are not going to look back," said the minister.

Sirma said he was ready to work with Gideon to rid Rift Valley residents of poverty and challenges facing them. The minister at the same time called for unity in the region, saying some political groups were out to mislead Kenyans.