Despite condemnation from across the political divide, Elgeyo-Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen may have after all won the battle against Mau Forest evictions.
So vicious was the battle that State House reportedly plotted for his ouster only for President Uhuru Kenyatta to save him on Sunday.
A source privy to ongoing politics on Mau said in confidence that the President suspended the exercise without giving further directives.
"I can assure you without contradiction that the President suspended the exercise on Monday.
"He did not give reasons or directives but for now those who were to be affected in phase two can breath," said the source.
Wrangles had rocked Jubilee party and the secret directive could have been precipitated by the split.
Mr. Murkomen fires shots at the president on Saturday, asking him to personally visit the region and declare his stand.
"In fact, I've given up on this matter. I now invite the president to come and tell us whether he stands with ordinary people of George Natembeya," he protested.
Leaders from Narok County led by Senator Ledama Ole Kina vowed to personally evict the occupants if the government succumbed to political pressure from Kalenjin leaders.
Deputy President William Ruto had ordered for evictions in June but the outcry from a section of his allies makes his statements a suspect.
The president is struggling to stamp authority on Jubilee party since reconciling with the main opposition leader Raila Odinga.
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