Majority leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah has reiterated the government’s commitment to protect the Maasai Mau Forest which was on the verge of destruction.

While speaking at Olorropil area in Narok North Sub County, Ichung’wah said the recent evictions at the forest land were meant to restore the mega water catchment area, as it is the source of many rivers in the country.

He called on families that are still living in the forest land to vacate before they are forcefully removed by the law enforcers.

Ichung’wah spoke during a fund drive at the Covenant Church International (CCI) where together with Kenya Kwanza leaders from Narok County fellowshipped.

He asked leaders to stop politicizing the forest issue, but instead encourage the residents to embrace conservation to boost the water catchment land.

At the same time, the National Assembly Majority leader defended the Affordable Housing Bill that was passed by the National Assembly recently saying it will create employment opportunities
for youth in Kenya.

Ichungwa announced that the Government has set aside Sh. 1.7 billion for electricity with Sh. 238 million shillings being allocated to Narok North constituency and another Sh. 90 million set aside for Kenya Off-grid Solar Acceleration Program (KOSAP).

Kipkelion MP Hillary Kiplagat echoed Ichung’wa’s sentiments on Mau conservation, assuring that no community shall be allowed to reverse gains made on climate change by President William Ruto.

Host MP Agnes Pareiyo admitted that the move to evict all illegal settlers from the complex caught her community by surprise but hard decisions were to be made to restore the forest land.

‘A hard decision had to be made to evict people from the Maasai Mau forest. Though it was painful, it was necessary to restore the forest land that had been greatly encroached,’ she said.

In September 2023, the government evicted about 5, 000 people from the Olokurto part of Maasai Mau forest.

Source: Kenya News Agency