By
Ben Leshau
A Mau conservation group has petitioned Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako
Tobiko over alleged wanton destruction of Sasimuani section of Maasai Mau
forest by a group referring themselves as members of the Ogiek community.
The Centre for Mau Forest Conservation and Restoration led by it’s Director Mr
Patu Naikumi in a letter dated July 10 this year decried over what he termed as
invasion of the forest for charcoal, timber and poles destroying hundreds of
acres of the key water tower.
“We are alarmed by the wanton and reckless destruction of the Maasai Mau Forest
at Sasimuan.The section of the forest is now depleted as the unscrupulous
people who are now leasing it for charcoal burners and timber merchants,” lamented
Naikumi.
He claimed that the invasion of the forest came as a result of an Africa Court
ruling that favoured the Ogiek Community to settle at the Mau Forest complex
and practice their traditional economic activities of hunting and gathering.
“The African Court of Justice vindicated the Ogiek people right to their land
and traditional way of life, but there are significant obstacles of continued
destruction of the Maasai Mau Forest
destruction that will adequately impede enforcement of the court judgment,” claimed
Naikumi.
The conservator also claimed that the Sasimuani has been turned into agro-forestry
businesses, charcoal burning and a hub for felling of indigenous trees for
timber that has subsequently led to establishment of Agricultural activities in
the area.
Mr Naikumi in the letter also called on the Ogiek community
to adhere to sustainable forest management practices that support their traditional
livelihoods as prescribed by the court.
“Delay for the Ministry of Environment task force to release recommendations
and subsequent implementation, will prolong the reckless wanton destructions of
the forest at Sasimuani,” he warned.
In view of the foregoing therefore the Centre for Mau Forest Conservation and
Restoration found that the African Court ruling is no-longer tenable given that
the introduction of Agro-business in Sasimuani.
The move comes barely a week after the government evicted hundreds of families
from Eastern part of the Mau forest in neighboring Nakuru County.