Davis Kiprono Ruto, a young politician from Nakuru County, has reacted to the decision by the government to close down 15 schools in the Mau Forest.

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The politician who is eyeing the Nakuru Senate seat in the 2022 polls on Thursday termed the decision as a setback to the children of the families living in the region.

"The decision by the government to shut down the 15 schools in Mau region is uncalled for. It's unfortunate the innocent souls will not enjoy the basic education the other children in other parts are enjoying due to a section of people who want to 'force out' the eviction," read his Facebook post.

The politician has since called upon leaders to ensure that the looming Mau eviction issue is settled, arguing that it is politically motivated.

"It's high time we seek a lasting resolution to end this Mau eviction menace. 60,000 people can't be rendered homeless on the basis of a few people who want to execute their 2022 political plans," he added.

Last week, Rift Valley leaders led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen maintained that the land being occupied is not government property, adding that the people who live there should not be given threats to vacate.

While issuing the notice to close down the schools, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya confirmed that indeed government funds were used to build the schools. He, however, noted that a section of headteachers colluded with unscrupulous politicians to set up the schools which are not registered with the Education Ministry.

The learning institutions which have been termed illegal include Kirobon, Senetwet, Kapsibilwo, Kitoben, Indianit, Kabarak, Noosogami, Chorwet, Ogilgei, Sebetet, Olabai, Koitabai, Chebirbelek, Chebetet and Lelechwet.