This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
On a five-kilometre trek through the Maasai Mau Forest, a journalist from the Nation witnessed firsthand the destruction of a critical ecosystem that is ecologically and economically vital to Kenya and parts of East Africa.
Accompanied by Chief Inspector Njoroge Mugo of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and his team, the journalist braved the challenging terrain, which took about three hours to complete.
As they walked, the journalist was struck by the severity of the deforestation, which left him feeling 'sadness, heartbreak, and despair.'
The forest's destruction is a complex issue, with over 10 million people, including members of the indigenous Ogiek community, relying on the rivers for their livelihoods.
Despite previous attempts by the government to evict illegal settlers, challenges have arisen due to claims of ownership, accusations against police, and political interference.
During the tour, the journalist saw the devastating impact of human encroachment, with the once-beautiful forest now resembling a slum in a rural setting.
Some of the settlers claimed ownership of the land, but their documents were found to be fake, courtesy of cartels.
Mr. Sammy Mwaita, the former commissioner of land, defended his actions, stating that he had no apologies to make and was open about his involvement in the land allocations.
He admitted that both the poor and landless, as well as powerful individuals in the Moi government, benefited from the allocations.
As the journalist trekked through the forest, he was accompanied by a group of about 50 KFS rangers, who closely monitored the illegal settlers as they vacated the area.
The rangers were armed with G3 rifles and machine guns, which inspired confidence, but the journalist couldn't help but feel that the forest would not be restored anytime soon.
However, a remarkably tall indigenous tree in an isolated thicket offered a glimmer of hope.
Chief Inspector Mugo and his team were friendly, patient, and helpful, providing valuable information about the area, wildlife, and forest cover.
One of the rangers expressed his pain at seeing indigenous trees cut down by illegal settlers, while another vowed to 'slay this Satan that has refused to leave Mau forest since 1990.'
The journalist witnessed the devastating impact of human encroachment, with crops such as cabbages, maize, peas, and onions being planted in the forest, and people practicing dairy farming.
As one of the rangers noted, 'With this kind of farming in the middle of the forest, the remaining wildlife such as squirrels are afraid to mate.'
Another ranger stated, 'This forest had wildlife, but the human encroachment has forced them to migrate.'
