This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
As the debate over the eviction of illegal settlers in the Mau Forest complex intensifies, it has taken a dangerous political turn that threatens to derail the restoration efforts.
Some politicians from the Rift Valley have resorted to intimidation and threats, inciting the settlers against the government and creating a volatile situation.
However, this is not acceptable. A few reckless leaders should not hold the entire country hostage.
The restoration of Mau Forest is a matter of national importance. In the past two decades, the forest has been ravaged, leading to the near-extinction of wildlife and vegetation, with devastating consequences.
The forest is the source of 12 rivers that flow southwards, including some that flow into Lake Victoria. Unfortunately, these rivers are drying up fast due to human encroachment.
For instance, the Mara River, famous for the wildebeest migration that attracts tourists, is on the brink of collapse.
Once a lush greenery covering 400,000 hectares, the forest has lost an estimated 100,000 hectares in recent years due to irregular land allocation and illegal settlement.
The cost of environmental degradation is enormous, and if left unchecked, it poses a significant risk to the economy.
Despite this, some politicians are either oblivious to the consequences or simply do not care. Every time attempts are made to recover and restore the forest, they rise up in opposition and incite communities to resist the effort.
It is essential to acknowledge that mistakes were made in the past, including the irregular allocation of land and the construction of public institutions within the forest.
However, these wrongs must be rectified. The government must clear the forest of illegal occupants in a humane manner, avoiding the use of force against citizens who are often innocent victims of a flawed system.
Alternative schools must be found for children being relocated from the forest, and a strategy must be devised to revitalize the forest once the squatters are removed.
Meddling politicians who seek to derail the restoration plan must be held accountable according to the law. They cannot be allowed to impose their will on the people.
The culture of impunity must end, and the government must deploy all necessary resources to clear Mau Forest of all illegal occupants and activities, saving it from extinction.
