CS Tobiko vows to reclaim all grabbed land

Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko during celebrations to mark the International Day of the Ozone Layer at the Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi on September 16, 2020.

Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Speaking in Kajiado Central over the weekend, Mr Tobiko said he won't be swayed by political noises aimed at derailing him.
  • Since his appointment in 2018, the CS has had a bumpy ride in his attempt to repossess several major water towers, especially the Mau Forest.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has reiterated his commitment to repossess encroached forest land countrywide.

Speaking in Kajiado Central over the weekend, Mr Tobiko said he won't be swayed by political noises aimed at derailing him.

Since his appointment in 2018, the CS has had a bumpy ride in his attempt to repossess several major water towers, especially the Mau Forest.

Mr Tobiko said his ministry is focused on protecting water towers, noting that after reclaiming part of Mau Forest, the annual rainfall pattern has resumed; with River Amalo and Mara continuously bursting their banks.

“The prophets of doom who were opposed to Mau evictions can now be proved wrong. The annual rainfall pattern has resumed and the water towers are rejuvenated. We will not be cowed as we seek to repossess all encroached forest land countrywide.”

He urged morans in Maa counties to be on the frontline in conserving the environment and join hands to fight illegal logging and charcoal burning.

Meanwhile, a section of Maa leaders led by former Nairobi Assembly Speaker Alex Magelo want an extra part of Mau Forest extending to Emurua Dikirr