This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
On June 30, 2020, the National Assembly Environment Committee invited Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko to appear before them on July 6, 2020, over the planned eviction of residents living on a disputed piece of land in Ngong Forest.
Committee Chairperson Kareke Mbiuki (Maara MP) expressed the committee's desire to seek answers from Tobiko regarding the handling of the matter, particularly after he threatened to ship wild animals in the area to chase away the residents.
“The issues of Ngong forest are extremely emotive, bearing in mind that it's just the other day that we had a similar incident in the Mau forest,” Mbiuki said during an appearance in Parliament.
Langata MP Nixon Korir petitioned the House over the matter, citing the concerns of 74 Sun Valley Phase II and III residents who risk being rendered homeless.
Other estates earmarked for demolition include KMA Lang'ata estate, Lang'ata Place, Lang'ata View Apartments, Royal Park, Forest View, Shalom estate, and St Mary's Apartment.
“We wish to indicate that the Ministry of Environment and Kenya Forest Service have not filed a suit in any court to challenge gazette notice 44 of 1998, which altered the boundaries of the forest,” reads part of the petition.
House Minority Leader John Mbadi threatened to lead a censure motion against Tobiko over his conduct in handling the matter.
“We do not want anarchy in this country, and Tobiko is behaving badly. The way he talks is like he is a terrorist threatening people that he will send wild animals to them,” Mbadi said.
