Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has defended Deputy President William Ruto over the looming Mau forest evictions.
Responding to allegations that he has crowned himself as Ruto’s spokesperson, Khalwale stated that the issue of Mau eviction is not about Ruto but it is an issue of national importance.
Correction. The Mau Forest is not a Ruto issue. It is a matter of grave national importance https://t.co/9EooYxhSOA
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@KBonimtetezi) August 29, 2019
Khalwale was prompted to reveal Ruto’s stand on the issue of Mau eviction following his earlier post seeking to force the government to evict former President Daniel Arap Moi from the 2,333 acres Kiptagich Tea Estate.
The government MUST evict President Daniel Moi from the 2,333 acre Kiptagich Tea Estate at Ilpontol that he unjustifiably owns in the Mau. Thereafter Kenyans will support the eviction of the 50,000 squatters sitting on 10,000 acres in the Mau. Hustlers are also people! pic.twitter.com/RrlE74fOxR
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@KBonimtetezi) August 28, 2019
Ruto has remained silent on the issue of Mau eviction. Political analysts have argued that his stand might shape his 2022 Presidential bid.
The eviction process has already kicked off with the government issuing an order to shut down 15 schools.
Government shuts down 15 schools set up in areas targeted in the second phase of evictions in the Mau Forest. pic.twitter.com/CCOoNk8Eo8
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 28, 2019
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya said the schools are not government institutions and have been set up in the area illegally. According to Natembeya, none of the 15 schools has pupils expected to sit for national exams this year.
The government is targeting to reclaim 17,000 acres of land which will affect 10,000 households.
But the affected families have been given 60 days notice to move out of Mau voluntarily by the ten-member task force led by Natembeya.
Mau schools shut: Government orders 15 schools shut
Gov’t keen on effecting planned evictions. Over 4000 pupils to be affected by eviction
Phase two evictions to take 60 daysNatembeya: No one will be spared #JKLive pic.twitter.com/ePsvFYAZi0
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 28, 2019