This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
On Tuesday, 10 September 2019, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Keriako Tobiko appeared before the National Assembly and National Resources Committee to address the Mau Forest eviction.
Speaking before the committee, Tobiko stated that Maasai Mau Forest land encroachers would be arrested, emphasizing that no one would be spared, including prominent leaders.
According to Tobiko, the files of the victims have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for review.
Tobiko described the destruction in the Mau Forest over the last three decades as an ecological disaster, and the government's intention to restore the forest.
He explained that out of 6,000 people who encroached on the Mau, only 716 have purported titles, 4,439 have sale agreements and letters of allotment, while 2,741 have no documents.
During the committee meeting, Mara MP Mbuiki posed a tough question to Tobiko, asking why he was only targeting the common and less fortunate people in the area, leaving the rich free.
Tobiko responded that the government would not give a penny to the individuals affected by the eviction process.
