Mau evictions to continue

Raila Odinga Monday said the Mau eviction exercise will not be called off despite protests by a section of Rift Valley MPs.

Odinga said environmental conservation was more important than playing populist politics.

He called on politicians to stop inciting Mau settlers saying the squatters were willing to vacate the forest as advised by the government.

Speaking at the Green Electricity conference in Nairobi, the Premier defended the ongoing eviction exercise saying it was being conducted in a humane manner.

Raila said the government had provided the necessary support to the evictees as earlier agreed.

"The government is trying to do it as humanely as possible," Mr Odinga said.
"We are not people who are inconsiderate, who like subjecting people to suffering. The government's efforts should not be frustrated by a few selfish politicians"

Environment Minister Johm Michuki and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi also supported the evictions.

On Sunday Special programmes PS Ali Mohamed ordered Mau Forest squatters out of makeshift camps.

So far, the Kenya Red Cross Society has so far distributed both food and non-food items to over 2000families living in six transit camps.

Over 866 people were attended to under the KRCS mobile medical outreach.

The mau evictions have put the Prime Minister on a collision course with a section of Rift Valley politicians.

The leaders are demanding compensation for the squatters, an issue that is threatening to tear apart ODM party.