This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, Emurrua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno was arrested by authorities while on his way to Maasai Mau to lead protests against the second phase of Mau Forest evictions.
According to reports, Mr. Ngeno was stopped at a roadblock at Olmekenyu in Narok South and told to return. However, he declined and was subsequently arrested.
Mr. Ngeno was detained alongside Ololulunga ward representative Jefferson Langat at Narok Police Station to record statements.
Politicians and supporters, including Narok Deputy Governor Evalyn Aruasa and Chepalungu MP Gideon Koskei, camped outside the station in support of the detained duo.
Mr. Koskei, who was with Mr. Ngeno, claimed they were on their way to Kirobon Primary School to investigate low pupil turnout, not to participate in the protests.
"We were not near the Maasai Mau forest where evictions were to take place, it's a 100 kilometres away," said Mr. Koskei.
The evictions were intended to pave the way for the rehabilitation of the 46,000-hectare Maasai Mau Forest, one of the 22 blocks within the Mau Complex.
