PM leads Mau tree drive

Prime Minister Raila Odinga Friday led other Kenyans in a tree planting drive in the Mau Forest at Kaptunga in Molo.

He was joined by Cabinet ministers, MPs, envoys, environmentalists and friends of the Mau to plant 20,0000 trees, according to the Mau Secretariat, which is coordinating the process of reclaiming the forest.

Mr Odinga, who was on Thursday given a go head by the Grand Coalition Management Committee he co-chairs with President Kibaki to lead the exercise, received a warm welcome from locals residents who entertained guests ahead of the planting.

Mr Odinga thanked the Ogiek community for being "friends of the forest" and showing the rest how to conserve forests.

"We are saying that trees should not be cut indiscriminately," he said.

He said that the event was a historical occasion that marked the start of the re-afforestation efforts in the country.

“As leaders we cannot stand by and watch Kenya lose her future. The environment has direct impact on our well being. That is why we are taking this first step,” he said.

According to the PM, Kenya seeks to plant 7.6 billion trees in next 10 years to put 10 percent of its land under forest. At independence the forest cover stood at 12 percent but has since decreased to a mere 1.7 percent.

Mr Odinga said other water towers, Mt Kenya, the Aberdares, Mt Elgon, Cherangani will also be conserved.

Area MP Joseph Kiuna said leaders from all over the country were in Mau to support the conservation efforts.

"We want a leader who will unite all Kenyans, a leader or leaders out to segregate people in different groups is not welcome in Mau."

Kipkelion MP Mr Magerer Langat accused Agriculture minister William Ruto's group of isolating the Kalenjins from rest of Kenyans and portraying them as against conservation of environment.

"We welcome efforts to save the Mau as the Rift Valley community, which we depend on for water and has been in danger. We are grateful that the prime minister has joined us to conserve it. We have seen the face of Kenya," he said.

Narok South MP Nkoidila Lankas in reference to boycott by some MPs told Mr Odinga: "As you can see you are not alone. The whole of Kenya and international community is here. We are with you and you will never walk alone."

Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth said Mau belonged to all Kenyans and should not be politicised.