Government Forces 3,000 Out of Maasai Mau Forest, Vows No Compensation
A month ago, new evictions began in parts of Maasai Mau Forest, displacing more than 3,000 residents.
However, residents of the Enaituyupaki area in the Narok North sub-county have resolved to remain in their homes despite the government’s assurances that they will receive compensation.
PoliticalPulseChat visited the area and encountered Roda Saoli, one of the evictees who was overcome with emotion as her home was demolished along with many others on Thursday night.
“Tunaishi kwa hadaki tumeeka karatasi nani kukaa hakuna kitu cha kula, sijui pa kwenda, walianza kufyeka mahindi, wakabomoa maboma, wakabomoa manyumba yote,” she lamented.
Families have been left stranded, as is the case with the Saoli, who have chosen to eat outside of the structures they once called home.
Their next step is uncertain as some attempt to salvage items while others drive sheep to unidentified destinations.
“Nilipata wazazi wameoleka ilikuwa jambo la ajabu ni kama dhuluma kufanyiwa kama hivi hatukuwa na habari hata hakuna notice ndio tujipange na watoto,” Saoli said.
“Nyumba sitini imechomwa, watoto wanafanya mtihani wanatembea kama kuku, serikali wacha kutupiga, na hatuna shida yoyote.”
The government began evictions along the Maasai Mau forest a month ago, claiming that illegal settlers had constructed residences on forest land.
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The eight-year residents of this property assert that they are the legitimate proprietors.
“Jana walikuja wakanivunjia boma nimetumia millioni tano, tumelala nje tumeharrasiwa, sisi tumekuwa hapa miaka yote, hii shamba niliachiwa na baba sasa naenda wapi,” Dominic Saoli, a victim, stated.
Another victim Solomon Yengo added: “Serikali area hii mashamba iligawiwa na section ikafungwa kama mtu ako na complaint kungekuwa na appeal, sisi tuko na mashamba…Hapa ndio sisi tumezaliwa awache kutembea na ndege aje kutuonyesha.”
The Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, Dr. Abdi Hassan, reports that 3,000 settlers have been expelled from the region as the government acts swiftly to reclaim the encroached forest land.
“Mpaka sasa zaidi ya watu elfu tatu walikuwa wameingia kwa msitu tumewaondoa, walikuwa wamejenga nyumba lakini sio za kuishi inakaribia kama mia nne, they were erected tukasema iondolewe,” Dr Hassan noted.
The most affected areas, according to the RC, were Enebelbel, Eneng’etia, Ololpil, Olokurto, Sachwasan, Nkaretta, and Kerampa. The government has stated that no one will be compensated and that evictions will continue.
“The government is dead serious on this matter, wale wote wameingia kwa msitu tunawaeleza nawasihi wafanye upesi wafunge virago watafute the shortest route possible out, wale wanaishi karibu na msitu wasiingie wataendelea kuishi nje ya msitu,” he added.
Government Forces 3,000 Out of Maasai Mau Forest, Vows No Compensation
