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Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Soipan Tuya has asked security agencies to uphold human rights in the ongoing evictions at the Mau Forest Complex.

The operation that kicked off about two weeks ago is aimed at reclaiming sections of the Mau forest from encroachment and illegal logging activities.

In a statement on Thursday, October 19, the CS called on the security teams led by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner to conduct the evictions humanely, in a bid to avoid cases of loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of adjacent communities as witnessed in the past evictions.

“The Ministry reiterates the need for the multi-agency security teams headed by the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, to carry out the operation humanely and to avoid actions that may lead to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of genuine forest adjacent communities,” CS Tuya stated.

CS Tuya’s remarks come amid claims that the officers carrying out the operation had overstretched the forest boundary, evicting non-encroachers who have lived in the affected areas for over five decades.

The operation, which has seen hundreds of families evicted from Mau in Narok County, was ordered by President William Ruto early this month as part of the government’s efforts to protect the country’s forest cover.

Delineate Mau, other forests

Meanwhile, CS Tuya disclosed on Thursday that the government is committed to implementing several measures to curb encroachment and illegal logging activities across the country.

“Plans are underway to delineate forest boundaries and work with state and non-state partners to fence off the forest so as to deter future violations.

“Besides the Mau Forest Complex, the multi-agency security operation to end forest crimes that include encroachment, illegal logging and charcoal burning will be extended to all forest ecosystems across the country,” she stated.

The CS also appealed to Kenyans to continue supporting the government by reporting forest crimes.

“We urge Kenyans across the country to continue supporting the Government’s broad Climate Action agenda by reporting suspected forest crimes through the Ministry’s toll-free hotline. 0800724570,” the CS added.