The truth behind Mau protest: Raila

• Big Mau landowners are trying to delay the restoration in cahoots with other forces who have historically opposed land reform, says embattled PM

Eldoret North MP William Ruto, who is also the minister for Agriculture, led 10 Cabinet ministers and more than 50 MPs from across the political divide in raising Sh5 million in aid of the evictees.

Besides protecting their own interests, some of the politicians are also defending their people who are raking in profits from their cooperative society that owns tea plantations in the forest.

Alternative settlement

The politicians want the government to resettle all those leaving the forest just as it did for victims of post-election violence. The Rift Valley politicians got a huge boost when they were joined by politicians from PNU led by Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi, Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta and Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo during the harambee in pushing for the plight of evictees to be addressed.

During the harambee Mr Bett and Mr Ruto -the Agriculture minister - were at pains to explain that Rift Valley leaders and people were not against conservation of the environment.

The minister, said all the Rift Valley leaders wanted was for the evictees to be given alternative settlement.

Reports by Lucas Barasa, Henry Nyarora and Jackline Moraa