Lawyers contest evictions

Law Society of Kenya council Member Kipkoech Ngetich (second right) with LSK Rift Valley President Ochang' Ajingo (right) and Rift Valley LSK Secretary General Steve Opar (second left) flanked by other lawyers addressing the press outside Nakuru Law courts on September 4,2019.They said they are going to move to court to halt the ongoing Mau evictions. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Lawyers from Rift Valley region have moved to court to challenge the Government's order to evict families from Mau forest.

Addressing the media outside the Nakuru Law Courts on Tuesday, members of the Rift Valley chapter of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said they want the evictions halted until the State addresses issues raised in their petition.

Led by Rift Valley LSK President Ochang’ Ajigo, the lawyers said the Government was getting it all wrong in evicting the people without following due process.

The lawyers said the issue revolving around Mau forest should be handled through legal means since politics could not and would never resolve it.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto should put in place proper mechanism to deal with the issue,” said LSK council member Kipkoech Ng'etich.

Last-minute decision

A spot check by The Standard yesterday revealed no school in the area had reopened following a last-minute decision by the Government to allow learners report to school for third term.

Tosiah Koskey, a local in Sierra Leone, said they were operating in fear despite the order.

“We are still worried since after the 60-day notice we will have to move out again. What we need is a permanent solution,” said Koskey.

Koskey said his six children who school in Ogilgei, Chebirbeleek and Sebetet primary schools were still at home. On Monday, they were blocked from accessing their schools by Kenya Forest Service officers.

Meanwhile, a case against three Narok legislators arrested on Tuesday hangs in the balance as the Director of Public Prosecutions failed to arraign them over incitement claims.

By yesterday evening, the prosecution was yet to prepare a charge sheet against Emurua Dikir MP Johana Ng’eno, and MCAs Sammy Kositany (Ilmotiook) and Jefferson Lang’at (Ololung’a).