On May 29, 2022, Deputy President William Ruto advised Raila Odinga, the Azimio Presidential candidate, not to use the Mau Forest eviction issue to 'incite and hoodwink' the Maa electorate.
According to Ruto, the government's 2019 evictions in the Mau Forest are no longer a political tool for leaders seeking votes.
Raila Odinga has previously taken credit for the Mau Forest evictions, attributing his success to his 'handshake' with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Deputy President Ruto responded to Raila's claims, saying, 'I want to tell the kitendwali man (Raila Odinga) because it seems he is confused. Us people in Narok have already concluded the Mau matter. You kitendawili man look for another business and pledge. Issues of Narok and Mau we have concluded.'
Ruto emphasized that the only remaining tasks are fencing the Mau Forest and resolving land issues in Kedong and Rose Farm, which will ultimately benefit the initial landowners and the Maasai people.
He urged Raila to stop inciting the Maa community and focus on other issues, stating, 'You kitendawili man please we are tired of your incitement. Look for another business and agenda.'
The 2019 evictions saw the government reclaim over 22,000 hectares of land in the Mau Forest area.
Deputy President Ruto had previously assisted the evictees by purchasing three acres of land in Tendwet, Olmekenyu, and Sagamian and building temporary houses for them.
The Mau Forest Complex is a vital water tower for 10 million Kenyans, but it has suffered significant deforestation, with 24 percent of its trees destroyed over 20 years.
