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{
    "id": 1009053,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1009053/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 98,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kihika",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13216,
        "legal_name": "Susan Wakarura Kihika",
        "slug": "susan-wakarura-kihika"
    },
    "content": "Madam Deputy Speaker, what is going on is doing more harm than good. As much as we are here and we stand and support conservation, what is happening is against their human rights. These families are being left susceptible to diseases such as COVID- 19, Cholera and Pneumonia. We saw so many small children out there in the rain. They had nothing, but their clothes on their backs. Out of the four sub locations in Marioshoni Ward, two have been completely affected in the following areas; Segut, Kaplop, Block 10, Kapsinedet, Kikingi Tatu, and Daraja. The evictions by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) started on 27th June, 2020 with no prior warning to the residents. No notice whatsoever was given considering the fact that most of the people have settled in this area from as far back as 1997. The area was gazetted as a settlement area at that time and has seen tremendous population growth of the community. Within that area, there has been construction of five primary schools, one secondary school, two health centers and the office of the chief. Madam Deputy Speaker, we also cannot ignore the fact that the Mau Forest has been considered a home by the Ogiek Community who have lived in the forest for hundreds of years. They are indigenous hunters and gatherers. The Ogiek are considered to be some of the original inhabitants of these forests. The loss of their ancestral land would endanger their survival, culture and leave thousands of them with no place to go. I wish to urge the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources to intervene in this matter and- (1) Seek to stop the ongoing evictions until the KFS has defined and demarcated the forest boundaries, and also shown the residents clearly where the cutline between the forest and human settlements lies; (2) Cause residents being evicted to be given prior notification of at least three months published in the official Government Gazette and served to the affected people individually. Where that is not possible, pinned in an open area where everyone can see it; and, (3) Compel the authorities to ensure that no one is left homeless and adequate consultation with the affected members of the communities is done to develop or communicate a comprehensive plan for resettlement and compensation. I thank you."
}