12 November 2009
editorial
Nairobi — The hour of reckoning finally came for the Mau settlers. They have been forced to leave their homes, farms and property located right inside the forest to seek alternative residence, after the deadline issued by the government expired this week.
So far, there have been no reports of ugly incidents similar to those witnessed in the past when forceful evictions were carried out in the forest. The security officers and forestry officials have exhibited admirable restraint, monitoring the peaceful exits without applying force.
Nonetheless, the dark side of the exercise is beginning to manifest itself. Hundreds of people, including children and women, are being thrown out into the cold without any idea where they will shelter. A new humanitarian crisis is thus unfolding, involving hundreds of displaced people.
Thus, while acknowledging that the Government has lived true to its promise of handling the forest evictions in a humane manner, settling the displaced, has not been thought out well. Creating a large pool of helpless people is the stuff that breeds social discontent. And this, ultimately, undermines the legitimate goal of restoring lost forest cover.
Good intentions are easily lost if they result in human suffering. More so, when that happens against a background where there are hundreds of others who have not been given new home since they were uprooted from their land when the electoral chaos erupted last year.
This a challenge the government must address quickly. It must signal to the settlers that what is being done is not meant to punish them; but to restore the forest cover for the common good.
However, this can only be done by offering them land elsewhere. Of course, the resettlement must only benefit those who have valid title deeds. The government must not only act humanely, but also quickly find alternatives for the legitimate Mau settlers.
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