Political analyst and politician Barack Muluka has defended opposition leader Raila Odinga from the latest allegations made against him.
The former Prime Minister has since been accused of spearheading the ongoing evictions in Mau Forest, claims that were raised by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday.
However, speaking on Radio Citizen on Friday morning, the Amani National Congress (ANC) party member who is also a strong political critic of Odinga's rubbished the claims, clearing him of the blame.
According to the once ANC Secretary General, Raila is not to blame for the evictions, adding that they must be undertaken either way, as a way of protecting the nation's water catchments from destruction.
"Kuna vitu vingi sikubaliani na Raila lakini hafai kulaumiwa kwa kiachoendelea kule Mau. Haijalishi ni nani aliyeanzisha hayo mabadiliko lakini vyanzo vyetu lazima vihifadhiwe (I don't agree with those blaming him for the evictions, they are inevitable for the well being of our catchment areas)," said Muluka.
He also rubbished Murkomen's claims that the evictions have been politicised to undermine Deputy President William Ruto and his 2022 presidential bid.
According to Muluka, the remarks are coming from power-hungry individuals, who are willing to endanger the environment for political mileage.
"Hawa watu wanatumia msitu huu kutosheleza uchu wao wa kisiasa. Wanautumia kuwafaidi na hawajali kwamba mito yetu huenda ikakauka (they are using it for political mileage and seem to not care about the future of our water sources)," he added.