Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen has softened his stance over the government's efforts to conserve the Mau-Narok forest.
Murkomen has been the face of opposition of evictions at the water tower, at one time clashing with Narok County Commissioner George Natembeya and police officers.
Just last week, Murkomen toured the troubled area twice, condemning the evictions and ordering settlers who have been displaced to go back to their homes.
"If by standing with the poor, the weak and the young children who are suffering in Mau, I am being disrespectful, then I am guilty as charged,” he said on Saturday at Kitoben in Narok South amid claims he had referred to President Uhuru Kenyatta as 'mkora' during his previous visit.
But in an interview with Kameme FM on Tuesday, Murkomen changed the tone, saying he had kept off the matter after President Kenyatta took charge of the exercise which he had termed as gross violation of human rights.
"I don't see my need of going back to Mau again since the President has waded into the issue. On Sunday, he sent a special team to address the conflict and since then no house has been torched. I'm hopeful a lasting solution will be found," he said.
The Senator, who a section of Jubilee leaders have been calling for his removal as Senate Majority Leader, apologised for his remarks and urged his colleagues to support Uhuru's efforts in the issue.
"Although I reprimanded public officers publicly and made some people uncomfortable, I am glad the issue is finally being resolved," Murkomen added.