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Mau Forest evictees troop back
October 20, 2007
EA STANDARD
By Kipchumba Kemei
MORE than 10,000 people evicted from Mau Forest have returned to
their former homes, jeopardising a multi-million-conservation
project.
The evictees have invaded the forest, following a directive by
President Kibaki, allowing them back two years after they were
evicted.
Early this month, the Spanish Government donated Sh92 million for
a conservation project in Mau Forest.
The funds were to be channeled through Unep and Ewaso Nyiro South
Development Authority.
The evictees now want the Government to compensate them for the
properties they lost in the infamous eviction.
Last week, Kanu chairman, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, visited the area and
told the evictees to return to the forest.
This has cast doubts on conservation efforts, with some
environmentalists, warning of a catastrophe if Mau Forest, a
source of water for 12 rivers, continued to be degraded.
A spokesperson of the group, Mr Kipteigok Chumo, said the
Government should compensate the more than 9,000 families, which
lost property during the eviction.
He said the Government had promised to resettle the Mau Forest
evictees ahead of the 2005 referendum vote but no action was taken.
"The Government should also assure us of compensation and provide
relief food until our crops mature," he said.
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