This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, Emurrua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno and Ololunga MCA Jefferson Langat were arrested by police for allegedly inciting locals against Mau Forest evictions.
The two had toured 15 schools recently closed down by the government in the Mau Forest area, accompanied by local MPs and MCAs, as part of their anti-government protest.
According to reports, the settlers were given 60 days to vacate the area or be forcibly removed.
On July 25, 2019, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko announced the government's plan to reclaim 17,000 acres of land in the phase two of Mau Forest evictions.
Approximately 10,000 settlers were expected to be affected by the evictions, with a deadline of August 31 to voluntarily vacate or be forcibly evicted.
A 10-member task-force, chaired by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya, was formed to fast-track the evictions.
