‘Big fish’ in Mau to get payout, MPs rule

Parliament on Tuesday adopted the taskforce report on Mau Forest, but amended it in a way that could complicate the eviction of squatters.

Turkana Central MP Ekwee Ethuro sought to change the report in a way that might force the government to compensate large landowners, contrary to earlier recommendations.

According to the change, Parliament gave its blessings to the report, provided the property rights of squatters are respected in accordance with the law.

“The report of the taskforce has very good recommendations but it is also very contradictory. It can’t say it stands by the rule of law and then say wishes to cancel title deeds,” said Mr Ethuro.

His amendment was seconded by Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo, who said the taskforce’s recommendations, though well-intentioned, would be “an exercise in futility if illegal means are used to do it.”

MPs voted unanimously for amendment and a short while later for the report.

This means that the government might have to compensate all the settlers in the forest, contrary to its earlier stand that only those with genuine title deeds will be paid.

There were reports earlier that an agreement had been reached before the amendments were moved as there were no MPs opposed to the idea when it was finally put to the vote.

According to the reports, a section of PNU MPs had agreed to support those opposed to the eviction of squatters, in exchange for backing during debate on the reappointment of Justice Aaron Ringera to head the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission.

Ministers Otieno Kajwang’, William ole Ntimama, John Michuki and Amos Kimunya appeared unaware of the agreement as they insisted only genuine settlers in Mau be compensated.

Mr Kimunya said: “A title deed issued on piece of land in water catchment that is protected is just a piece of paper.”

The latest move on the Mau is likely to force the government to increase the Sh38 billion budget set out by the secretariat on the restoration of the forest.

According to a paper prepared by the secretariat, 1,962 people were to be compensated.

About 2,500 households on protected forest areas of the complex, among them 1,683 families in the South Western Mau and an additional 1,011 in Ol Pusimoru and Maasai Mau, were to be evicted without compensation.

Following the vote, MPs rallied to defend the move, saying that it would be improper to use illegal means to solve the Mau issue even as some of their colleagues said it would be an expensive affair.

“The amendments do not water down the effects of the report and will not give protection to those who acquired property illegally,” said Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch.

Said Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo: “The taskforce report did not take into account the laws (on acquisition and registered land).”