This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
On June 27, 2020, the Kenya Forest Service began an operation to reclaim state-owned forests in the Mau Forest Complex, including Logoman, Sururu, Likia, Kiptunga, Mariashoni, Nessuit, Baraget, and Olposimoru.
The operation aims to stop all illegal human activities in government forests, which form the Eastern side of the Mau Forest Complex. At least 4,500 hectares of forest land have been reclaimed, and 945 illegal structures destroyed.
According to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya, those who acquired land legally in the region will be issued with ownership documents. However, at least 20,000 households are expected to be evicted in Nessuit, Tachasis Chepkosa, Sururu, and Likia.
Clashes have been linked to the thorny Mau Forest land issue and political incitement among other factors. The violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, with six killed in a recent incident, and several others left nursing arrow injuries.
Detected by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are pursuing 10 people, including politicians suspected to have planned the violence. Among those already in police custody is a chief from Mariashoni, who was found with arrows and other weapons.
