The issue of the encroachment of Mau Forest has always remained a ‘delicate’ issue among both the ruling class and the common folks.
Last month, the government kicked off the exercise of ejecting those who had encroached the largest water tower in the country. As usual, the politicians took up the matter and turned it into a political contest with each camp daring the other.
Those ejected claimed to have bought land from other people. They claimed it was a willing buyer will seller. Many questions arose; who had the audacity to sell the land that belonged to the government? Who issued the title deeds that those being ejected claim to be having?
The Cabinet Secretary in charge of the environment has claimed that almost all the title deeds are fake and he went ahead to table a list of companies that should be blamed for grabbing Mau Forest and putting the future of Kenya in jeopardy.
- Ilngina Contractors Limited whose directors are Agnes Naropil Ntutu, Kiteleiki Ntutu and Kunini Ntutu.
- Izmir Enterprises whose directors are Sahir Mughal and Asiya Mughal.
- Kaetoni Enterprise led by Mary Tamooh
- Kesumin Investment led by Joseph Rotich
- Sanyana Enterprises led by Nathaniel George and Pacifica Nyabongo
- Kamaleto Limited
- Kapchi Farm
- Katendwa Limited
- Loresero Enterprise
- Namelok Farm Enterprise
- Ololarusi Investment Farm Enterprises
- Omugasi Service Company
Most companies named in the documents tabled by CS Tobiko were allocated land in Mau but chose to extend further into the forest. For instance, Nkaraoni group ranch had 1,597.5 hectares but now has 7,861 hectares. Enoosokon group had 155 hectares but now has 1,723 hectares. Sisiyan group had 447.5 hectares but now has 1,059.7 hectares.
The government has maintained that the eviction of those who had grabbed the forest will continue despite the noise from some politicians.