Mau...Mau...

Leaders across the country continue to voice their concerns over the manner in which the Mau issue has been handled so far.

Former Attorney General Charles Njonjo Njonjo warning that the collapse of the water tower poses a calamity for the region that is currently reeling under drought.

Speaking during an occasion to mark the opening of the annual Naivasha horticulture fair, Njonjo reminded politicians of the consequences of their slow pace of taking action against environmental degradation.

Njonjo accused leaders of engaging in politics as the wanton destruction in the forest continued unabated.

"It is time we stopped politicking and engage in tree planting for the benefit of future generations," Njonjo said.

The government is seeking for 7.6 billion shillings to reconstruct the Mau.

The 12 man committee inaugurated to steer this process has a great task ahead, but the United Nations and other development partners are staying by the government so long as it shows commitment.

During the fair, exhibitors said that the current power rationing across the country had seen a sharp rise in the demand for solar energy.

Players in the market said that sales have risen to over 50 percent with higher projections if the rains dont come in the next few months.

compensation

Meanwhile, politicians and church leaders in the South Rift have demanded that the Government compensates all settlers before they are moved out.

Roads Minister Franklin Bett led five members of parliament from the region to condemn a plan to evict settlers without compensation.

The MPs Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu), Julius Kones (Konoin), Langat Magerer (Kipkelion), Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi) and Zakayo Cheruiyot (Kuresoi) said the plan was ill-advised.

An interim secretariat co-ordinating rehabilitation of the water tower was quoted in a section of the press on Friday as saying most settlers would leave the forest without compensation.

A paper prepared by the secretariat indicated only 1,962 people would be compensated.

African Gospel Church Assistant Bishop Paul Leleito said in the 2005 eviction, more than 33 churches and 27 schools were torched by security officers in Narok South.

"We would not wish to see a repeat of the 2005 scenario where families were kicked out, their property torched or looted. The Government should be careful on the way it goes about the exercise this time around," Leleito said.