Narok MPs differ over Mau evictions

Narok,Kenya: Emurwa Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno has condemned the ongoing evictions in Maasai Mau forest, terming it inhuman and uncalled for.

Speaking yesterday when he visited families camping at Kipchoge at the edges of the forests in Narok South sub-county, Ng'eno faulted Commissioner Arthur Osiya and Kenya Forest Service officers for issuing a notice last week that led to mass exodus from the forest.

"The county commissioner and KFS officers have no mandate to issue such orders. It is the National Land Commission that is mandated by the law to issue eviction notices," said Ngeno.

He appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto to intervene and give the settlers alternative land.

But his Narok North counterpart Moitalel Ole Kenta insisted the evictions must continue if the future of Kenya's largest water tower is to be guaranteed.

joint approach

Mr Kenta dismissed Ng'eno's concerns, saying more than five million people depend on Mau ecosystem for their the well-being.

"Ng'eno should understand that Mau ecosystem needs to be conserved for the posterity of the whole country. He should stop inciting residents against the government," said Kenta.

Narok Deputy Governor Evelyn Aruasa called for a joint approach on the Mau situation and asked leaders to stop inciting residents.

"There is need for a joint approach between the national government and the county government when tackling the Mau situation. We are assessing the situation closely so as to see the most appropriate step to take," said Ms Aruasa.