Mau Forest evictions should be humane – Wetang’ula
By Anthony.Mwangi, November 6, 2023
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has urged the government to be humane in carrying out Mau Forest evictions.
He emphasized the importance of security forces respecting human rights during the eviction of people who have encroached on the water tower.
While acknowledging the government’s commitment to conserving the forest, Wetang’ula said the process must be carried out in a compassionate manner.
“The government’s efforts to conserve Mau Forest by ensuring that encroachers move out is a move in the right direction but it should be done humanely,” the Speaker said.
“Properties should not be destroyed as this subject’s people to suffering,” he added.
Wetang’ula was addressing a gathering of over 3,000 Maasai youth at Rutian village, Nkareta Ward in Narok North during their transition from moranism to elders.
Wetang’ula expressed his support for the calls made by leaders for the establishment of a clear boundary between community-owned land and the forest.
He also commended the residents for their resolve to have encroachers leave the forest and endorsed the idea of demarcating the land to prevent further encroachment.
“It is good that residents, through your leaders, have resolved that those who invaded the forest are ready to move out and a boundary should be drawn to prevent encroachment,” he said.
Tourism gem
The Speaker, however, urged the Maasai community to be vigilant in safeguarding the Mau, emphasizing its substantial benefits, especially as a critical water source for the Mara River, tourists attraction and revenue for Narok County.
He said the Mara River is a prized tourism gem which attracts wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over world.
The river’s survival, he emphasized, is linked to the wellbeing of the Mau Forest, making it essential for the Maasai community to focus on the conservation of the water tower.
Wetang’ula said President William Ruto had engaged local leaders to discuss the Mau eviction and conservation plans and offered an assurance that their concerns would be addressed.