Renowned analyst Dismus Mokua has dubbed the ongoing debate on the Mau Forest as a geopolitical issue.
Speaking on Sunday during a wide-ranging panel discussion on Standard Media-owned Kenya Television Network (KTN), Mr Mokua contended that Kenya was merely a custodian of the important water catchment area.
He said that the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and Egypt were keenly following the raging debate on Mau that continues to elicit strong emotions.
"And you know Kenya is merely a custodian of this Mau Complex. This Mau complex is a geopolitical issue. I can bet my head that as this conversation is going on, the UNEP guys are keeping an eye, Uganda is keeping an eye because it affects Uganda, it affects Tanzania, Kagame is keeping an eye, Nkurunzinza is keeping an eye and Egypt is keeping an eye," Mr Dismus Mokua said.
The impending second phase of the Mau evictions has ignited tremendous resistance from a section of Rift Valley leaders who want the evictions stopped.
In strongly-worded statement on Sunday, Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot said that the evictions were criminal and had not been agreed upon in the highest decision making organ of the Kenyan government.
Deputy president Dr William Ruto has remained mum on the emotive issue even as his allies vow to oppose the evictions.