Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has backed off on his initial hardstand regarding schools within the Mau Forest, regarding the planned evictions.
Natembeya has initially announced that the 15 learning institutions would be closed in the course of the exercise, which has been questioned by a section of politicians.
However, he on Tuesday announced that the schools will remain open to enable the children to proceed with their classes in the course of the 60-day exercise.
The police boss said that this is to correct the narrative that the government doesn't care about the well being of the said illegal settlers, adding that the eviction will, however, proceed.
“We have resolved to open all the 15 schools so as not to be seen like the government does not care. Children will continue attending classes in those schools as the eviction goes on since eviction will take 60 days," he said.
Last week, he claimed that all the schools constructed at about Sh40 million are illegally operating, an operation facing total opposition from leaders from the Kalenjin community.
The leaders led by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot have claimed that the settlers said to sum to 10,000 and occupying 17,000 acres inside the water tower bought the land.
On the other hand, Maasai leaders led by Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina have lauded Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko for the evictions.