Renowned television commentator Dismus Mokua has called for what is in the best interest of Kenya to prevail in the ongoing Mau eviction saga that continues apace.
Speaking on Sunday on Standard Media Group-owned Kenya Television Network (KTN), Mr Mokua appeared to suggest that the interests of families living the forest should not be allowed to outweigh the national interest.
"So we need to ask ourselves, there are 60 families which are going to be affected but what serves the best interest of Kenya, number 1, the region and the global level, " the socio-plitical commentator contended.
He also framed the protection of the forest as a national security issue and suggested that the government could procure alternative land for the settlers.
Dismus Mokua's intervention comes amid a raging debate on the impending Mau evictions.
A section of Rift Valley leaders has strongly railed against the evictions, with Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen saying that the evictions will trigger a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has maintained that politics will not stop the government from taking steps to protect the important water catchment area from human encroachment.
Mau has been a politically emotive issue and efforts to protect it started during the Grand Coalition government, efforts that were spearheaded by the then prime minister Raila Odinga.