This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Mau Forest Evictions: Big Fish in Trouble as DCI Hands Over Case Files to DPP ¶
Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has announced that the probe into Mau Forest encroachment is complete, with Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti handing over case files to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji for review and prosecution.
According to Tobiko, the encroachment involved over 14,000 hectares of land in Mau Forest, which was sold to well-connected individuals. The Environment CS maintained that the title deeds owned by Mau Forest locals were acquired illegally.
Tobiko stated that the evictions will continue as planned, with nearly 6,000 individuals targeted for eviction. He emphasized that the transactions were illegal and that compensation was not a matter of right or entitlement.
During a presentation before the National Assembly's Environment Committee on September 10, 2019, Tobiko's remarks sparked controversy, with MPs Hillary Koskei and Charity Kathambi banging tables and shouting down the CS, terming his remarks as an insult to the affected families.
However, Tobiko maintained that the title deeds held by 716 individuals were 'mere pieces of paper' and that no compensation would be provided for them.
Documents presented before the committee revealed that the big fish sold the land to other 7,000 individuals despite the fact that they were acquired illegally.
According to Tobiko, the ballooning into the forest would not have occurred without the participation of ranch and government officials. He stated that the fact that the documents were signed by government officials did not make an illegal document legal.
As the probe into Mau Forest encroachment comes to a close, it remains to be seen whether the big fish will face the consequences of their actions.
