A section of political leaders in Uasin Gishu County has called for dignified treatment of the Ogiek Community.
This follows a recent court ruling that directed members of the community living in Mount Elgon Forest to vacate.
In its ruling, the court said the community which is made of the hunters and gatherers was illegally residing in the forests.
But speaking in Cherus village, Kesses Sub-County on Friday, during homecoming of Juliet Jelimo, who got nominated to Uasin Gishu Assembly, the politicians led by Governor Jonathan Bii and Kesses Member of Parliament CPA Julius Ruto said the community deserves dignity, even when being moved out of the forests.
Jelimo is a member of the Ogiek community who are the minority in the county.
“Members of the Ogiek community are part of us here in Kenya. They are not animals. They have needs and deserve justice. The government need to find a way to give them land where they will stay,” Chelilim said.
Similar sentiments were shared by CPA Ruto.
Kenya Forest Service
According to the Kesses MP, removal of the Ogiek community from forests must be handled with dignity.
He however said they respect the decision made by the court.
“Because the courts have pronounced themselves on this issue, the new Forest Cabinet Secretary must ensure the community is handled humanly when being moved out,” said the legislator.
“We know they have no other place to call home. Government must not just eject them from the forests but also find an alternative land where they will be settling in,” he added.
Further, the legislator said he has already raised the matter in the National Assembly asking that Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers handles the community humanely.
The Ogiek community traditionally live within forests but with the latest court ruling, they will be forced to look for an alternative place to call home.
But even as the leaders asked for dignified removal from forests, Governor Chelilim also challenged them to invest in educating their children.
“Education is an equaliser. It is the only way everyone can be together in the same table,” noted the county boss.
