This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
On September 4, 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, but he declined and was subsequently arrested.
He was detained alongside Ololulunga ward representative Jefferson Langat and taken to Narok Police Station to record statements.
Politicians and supporters, including Narok Deputy Governor Evalyn Aruasa, Chepalungu MP Gideon Koskei, and Konoin MP Brighton Yegon, camped outside the station in support of the duo.
Mr. Koskei, who was with Mr. Ngeno, stated that they were on their way to Kirobon Primary School to investigate claims of low pupil turnout, not to incite protests at Maasai Mau.
"We were not near the Maasai Mau forest where evictions were to take place, it's a 100 kilometres away," Mr. Koskei said.
The evictions aimed to pave the way for the rehabilitation of the 46,000-hectare Maasai Mau Forest, one of the 22 blocks within the Mau Complex.
