Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has revived the push to evict illegal dwellers from the Mau Forest water tower, an announcement he made on Friday.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) in Nairobi, the former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) vowed to personally lead the exercise.
He stressed on the need to restore the water complex which has to some extent been destroyed by people encroaching into it, warning politicians against politicizing the issue.
“I suggest we move to the Mau and restore it and I will lead the effort. We should not politicize Mau," said the CS.
He said that he will not pay attention to the tittle deeds some claim to have, adding that his ministry will not allow a piece of paper to be used to destroy the nation's livelihood.
He also ruled out compensating those who will be evicted and those who have already been evicted, saying that the fact that they were illegally in the forest deals them a blow.
“If we compensate those who are evicted from forest land, then even those who are charged with corruption will soon start asking for compensation. No one can plead ignorance in matters of forest encroachment,” he added.
Last year there was a political confrontation between Kalenjin and Maasai leaders, with the Kalenjin leaders coming in to intervene for their people branded as illegal settlers.
The group was led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, while Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, on the other hand, was pushing for the eviction of the settlers.