Reprieve for Mau forest evictees as Senator Moi promises help

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi addressing residents at Mulot Sunset, Bomet. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has assured 10,000 people evicted from Masai Mau Forest last year that the Government will address their plight.

Speaking at Longisa trading centre in Bomet yesterday, the Kanu chairman said he would engage the relevant ministries to have the issues addressed once and for all.

“Let's not speak about 2022 while we still have the issue of Mau at hand. I'm here to assure you, the people will be assisted,” said Gideon after opening a Kanu office at Mulot Sunset.

Gideon was in company of Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat William, MPs William Kamket (Tiaty), William Chepkut (Ainapkoi), Abdikarim Osman (Fafi), West Pokot County Assembly Speaker Catherine Mukenyang, Baringo Woman Rep Gladwell Cheruiyot and the Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General and Nominated MP Wilson Sossion.

The evictions carried out by the National Police Service and Kenya Forest Service left the families homeless and their property destroyed.

Since 2018, authorities have evicted more than 50,000 people from Mau forestlands, including more than 40,000 in July 2018 and the rest between August and November in 2019. Some

At least 6,000 of those recently evicted are living in harsh conditions in makeshift camps in Narok County. Some have land ownership documents.

Yesterday, Gideon noted that there is need to find a lasting solution while conserving the environment. He also urged the locals to maintain peace, saying he had met their representatives.

The senator also distributed copies of the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2020 and asked the people to read. “The county assemblies did their work, and time for the people is coming soon. Go read and understand,” he said.

Salat thanked Bomet MCAs for voting for the document.

On next year's elections, he asked residents to stand with their own. “For very long as a party we have supported other people since 2002. It is about time now we support our own. Gideon we have you and so far so good. It's not far,” he said.

Chepkut urged the Kalenjin community not to be left out of the constitutional change process thsi time. “We opposed the 2010 reforms. This time round we can't be left behind. We need Gideon to be on the table,” Chepkut said.

Abdikarim said Gideon has proved he fits well in his father’s shoes and urged the locals to unite in his support.

Kamket on said Gideon was at the centre of discussions on who to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, while Cheruiyot urged for peaceful politics.