Environment CS Keriako Tobiko, on Tuesday, came under heavy criticism from a section of Kenyans over his delays in evicting large scale landowners from the country’s largest water tower, Mau forest.
While appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Environment, Tobiko was asked by the committee chair, Kareke Mbiuki, why he was only concentrating on the common citizens at the expense of other large scale owners in the tower.
“We have some difficulties as to why you are targeting common mwananchi yet it is clear that the who is who owns land in forests. They should be the first casualties to be evicted,” posed Kareke.
On his defence, the CS promised the committee that there will be “no sacred cow” who will be spared, adding that he will give notice to all other settlers who according to him will be evicted in the third phase.
Former President Daniel Moi, who was adversely mentioned, is among the prominent people cited by the committee as owning huge chunks of land in the water catchment area.
Moi owns Kiptagich tea estate and factory that sits on 2,223.945 acres.
The committee members present included vice-chairperson, Sophia Abdi, and members Beatrice Kones (Bomet), Hulufo Hassan (Isiolo North), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Hillary Kosgei (Kipkelion West) among many other MPs.
It is, however, his sentiments that the large scale owners will be evicted in the third phase that kept most Kenyans wondering if the CS was indeed genuine in his promises.
Some wondered if the said ‘tycoons’ were so special than other Kenyans to warrant their exclusions from the second phase of evictions. Here are the comments.
After phase 2 evictions? Do they get their special phase? Maybe the phase which never has a face? So the big "phase phish" will continue undisturbed. Then CS is moved, new one says I was not there then…bla bla bla..etc etc. Rewind and play again.
— Alexander Sarikas (@AlexanderSarik4) September 11, 2019
We ought to treat all Kenyans equally,,it's not about "big and small fish" if eviction must be done it should be once,, we need fairness
— Festohumble (@festohumble) September 11, 2019
Cornelius Slay King the Kiptagich Tea Zone is situated right in the Mau forest, but the owner Moi is immune to evictions. I think evictions belongs only to the poor
Seif Arap Sindano Tell that to the birds! how many times have we seen the small fish suffer at the expense of the Sharks???! Danganya Toto!
Why not start with the big fish thus the small fish will just walk without force?
— Murage cm (@CmMirage) September 11, 2019
After Uhuru govt compensated two Kikuyu men one in Likoni Mombasa and the other in Ruaraka Nairobi billions of shillings for stolen land restituted to the community then it's only fair all title deed holders in Mau are compensated a fair price for there titled land.
— Jibril Idris (@Nasadamu1) September 11, 2019
Allanoh Captain Poor strategy. The big fish use the omenas as a shield. Kick the big fish first, and once you succeed, no one will politicize this exercise when you go for the small fish. The politicians will be having nothing left to protect.
Knarftu Kirk If Moi’s land will be among those to be reverted back to forest land ndio tutajua hii Mau eviction is not political otherwise we know it is a fight against William Ruto His Excellency Kipchirchir Samoei PhD
Am waiting patiently to see MOI family release the land.
— Robert nzyoka (@robert_nzyoka) September 11, 2019
@tobiko kindly give us reasons why the big fish will be kicked out in phase two. Do you think kenyans are this stupid?
— Nyambura Ndung'u (@Ziloopi) September 11, 2019
Nyaga Michael Start with the big fish then come evict the common dwellers. Tobiko owns 23
107Ha as per Ntutu report
Moi should bequest the land he grabbed back to the state. UK are you 👂🏾
— Mary Jabulana (@MaryJabulana) September 11, 2019
Na nkama uko na acre kadhaa uko wewe,sio?
— Hatari Fayaa🔥 (@DeMuts_) September 11, 2019