Ogiek, Maasai leaders reject plan to lift warning on Mau deeds
Mau Forest evictees demonstrate at Nessuit Settlement Scheme in Njoro, Nakuru County, on October 5, 2015. The government wants to lift a caveat on title deeds for people living around Mau Forest. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The elders suggested that DP Ruto set up a team to effectively deliberate the issue, and reach a suitable outcome.
A government plan to lift a caveat on title deeds for people living around Mau Forest has met resistance from Maasai and Ogiek elders.
In Nakuru, the Ogiek opposed the plan claiming it will promote injustice against the community that is laying claim to expansive parcels of land around the Mau Forest.
Led by Ogiek Council of Elders chairman Joseph Towett, they suggested that Deputy President William Ruto set up a team to effectively deliberate the issue, and reach a suitable outcome.
“The Deputy President should put up a national multi-stakeholder committee to address contentious issues in the ownership of the controversial parcels of land instead of planning to lift the caveat,” said Mr Towett.
And in Narok, the plan to lift a caution on title deeds for people laying claim to 146,800 hectares of land in Mau Forest has met resistance from the Maasai council of elders.
Mr Joseph ole Karia, former county council chairman Kelena ole Nchoe and ODM political activist Tikoishi ole Nampaso faulted the government arguing the move will allow the settlers to continue destroying the forest through delayed eviction.
The settlers were supposed to be evicted in the fourth phase of the restoration of the water tower, which has been abandoned due to lack of funds.
