Resettlement of forest evictees stalls

By Edwin Cheserek

Elgeyo/Marakwet County: The stalemate over resettlement of Embobut Forest evictees in Marakwet East took a new twist after it emerged that more than 10 police officers had been listed as beneficiaries.

The victims are now accusing the task force formed last month to harmonise the list of beneficiaries, of including the officers at the expense of genuine families.

The protest comes against the backdrop of numerous complaints from area leaders alleging that genuine beneficiaries had been excluded from the list even after the victims were vetted afresh.

“The people have opposed the inclusion of the officers because they are not residents of Marakwet. We want the government to investigate and take action against them,” said John Kilimo, a squatter.

It is alleged the Administration Police (AP) officers had been assigned the duty to provide security to the task force vetting the evictees but took advantage to be included in the list.

Marakwet East Deputy County Commissioner Asalow Hussein said his office was yet to receive the complaints but promised to investigate when furnished with the details.

“This is a very sensitive matter that should be handled soberly. We are asking those with sufficient information to volunteer to the relevant authorities for necessary action,” he said.

Asalow disclosed his office and the victims’ representatives submitted a harmonised list of 2,874 families to the Department of Special Programmes in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning for compensation.

Area MP Kangogo Bowen expressed concern over the revelation saying the fresh vetting was meant to ensure those left out in an earlier plan are compensated by the government.