The Ogiek community has protested over the issuing of illegal licenses to saw millers.
Lead by their chairman, Joseph Towett, over 100 members took to the streets demanding that the government revokes the licenses of saw millers who they claimed were exploiting the Mau forest.
Carrying placard and twigs, the irate residents blocked the busy Marishoni – Elburgon road .
They claimed that they did not benefit from the proceeds of the forest yet it was the source of their livelihoods.
“Only strangers come to the forest and are allowed to log, whereas no one from our community is given the permit. In case one is found, you are harassed by the Kenya Forest Service Officials and in some cases arrested and taken to court for illegal felling of trees,” said Irene Chelangat
She pointed out that attempts to apply for licenses by the residents have been unfutile
Joshua Langat claimed that the roads in the area were poor hence even the ones who benefited from the forest could not transport the planks of wood.
“Many people are hijacked by armed robber and in some cases killed when they are on the road taking the goods to the market,” he cited
Area Chief Samson Salim cited that they would investigate the matter.
“We will try to come up with a solution to the problem. However we appeal to the people around to stay calm as we look for ways to assist the traders,” he cited