Kamilan claims Mau forest evictions were politically motivated, faults Ntutu over injustices

Land rights activist John Kamilan has alleged that the conservation efforts in the Mau Forest were politically motivated and not genuine environmental initiatives.

Speaking in Narok, Kamilan claimed that the eviction of thousands of families from the forest was orchestrated by Maasai leaders led by the late William ole Ntimama—to advance political interests at the expense of innocent residents, mainly from the Kipsigis community.

He lauded former Narok South MP Korei ole Lemein for standing with the affected families and defending the rights of the Kipsigis people during the height of the Mau eviction crisis.

Kamilan accused Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu of perpetuating historical injustices against the displaced families, alleging that his administration has neglected their plight.

According to Kamilan, more than 118,243 people were affected by the evictions, with 316,111 houses destroyed, 1,532 men left with lasting injuries, 172 others wounded, and 27 people killed during the operations. He further claimed that 604 women were victims of sexual violence, terming the situation a national shame.

He alleged that the land in question occupied by residents since 1938 was later taken over by the Ntutu family, accusing the governor of being aware of those deserving compensation but deliberately leaving them out.

“This is injustice to our people. Governor Ntutu must take responsibility for the suffering our community continues to endure,” Kamilan said.

He called for a transparent demarcation and compensation process in Mau, urging the government to allow locals to present their views before the issuance of title deeds promised by the President.

Kamilan proposed that each affected family be allocated 2.7 acres of land, Sh3.7 million compensation, title deeds, and education sponsorships for their children. He also demanded employment opportunities, food and health support, and free registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA) for all displaced families.

Additionally, Kamilan urged the government to withdraw Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers from the area, claiming their presence has instilled fear among residents and disrupted livelihoods.

For accountability, he suggested that the three-day registration exercise for affected residents be conducted through churches rather than local chiefs, saying religious institutions are closer to the people and ensure transparency.

Kamilan also stressed the importance of clean and safe water, emphasizing that the Mau Forest is a crucial water source for many communities and must be conserved through inclusive and fair practices.