The Mau Complex – Light at Last

Today is a big day for many people in Kenya and especially to someone like me, an environmentalist. One of the thorny issues facing Kenya – “The Mau Eviction” may finally see the light of day. Thanks to the Right Honourable Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s (pictured below)

Hon. Raila Odinga

move yesterday in parliament, to stand for what is right. When answering questions raised over the issue, he categorically stated that he is willing by the truth as it is always correct. So says the bible…. “The Truth shall set you free”….. A few days ago, he stated that he was willing to put his political ambition on the line.. Meaning if the proposed eviction of the Mau Settlers will mean the loss of the Rift Valley Votes… so be it. He further mentioned the beneficiaries of the former regime’s Mau Settlement Scheme (MSS)… Another Kudus to you mheshimiwa

Dear reader, maybe you might be wondering what’s so important about this Mau.

Fast facts: –

1. The Mau encompasses of a forest complex that form one of the water towers in Kenya. The others include the Aberdare, Mt. Elgon and Mt. Kenya. it is estimated that 65% of Kenya’s population depend on waters arising from here. It waters are not only important to persons within the Rift Valley, but to those in the Western and Nyanza Provinces. The head waters most of the rivers draining into Lake Victoria from Kenya, arise from the Mau. The Mara River which provides water to the Mara Game Reserve (one of the 7 Wonders of the World), famous for its wildebeest migration occurring usually in August has its waters from the Mau.

2. The former regime issued out land to squatters (initially) but due to the politics of the day, the politically correct at the time also had chunks of land (some to several thousands of hectares). What transpired after that was the wanton destruction of the forest in search of arable land. The complex had indigenous people – the Ogiek, who have been living here for many years. These have practiced sustainable living till the coming of the newcomers who brought along a new lifestyle. Loss of water catchment areas has lead to erratic rains, loss of carbon sinks, ground water has dwindled affecting among others our natural species.

3. As stated earlier, the complex is of national importance as the entire country depends on it. Thus we cannot allow regional politics in matters where national interests will be compromised. Those making the loudest noises are those who benefited from the unwarranted demarcation of the forest. They can only be described as arrogant, uncouth, and selfish individuals who prefer to owning land rather than respecting the wishes and needs of a nation. More to this, they are pushing for compensation from the government.

4. Compensation for those evicted should be given at those who are honest squatters (holding genuine government deeds) and to the Ogiek community. End of story.. the rest of the political hooligans who think they can bull doze their way into our pockets can think again….. It happened once when they got the land, and it will not happen again….. We are brighter now..

Verdict

1. Mr. Prime Minister, please do not deviate from the truth as some of your colleagues are doing. Stand firm we are 100% behind you….. About you loosing votes in only a section of a region, don’t worry. You are gaining admiration from the entire nation… Which is better?

2. Hon. Michuki, Minister for Environment & Natural Resources, the Environmental Management & Coordination Act (1999) has now been amended by the President. The amendment gives you and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) powers to act decisively. Both of you now have the teeth you have been longing for. Bite… and bite hard those who are destroying the environment.

A Mango in the office

On a light note

Enjoying a mango in the office

Today is quite cloudy not mentioning cold… After yesterday’s near chilly weather today everybody is warmly dressed. So I thought why note warm up the office with a mango and Walla!!! This is what came out… A delicious looking mango that am taking right now as I write this blog.
My colleague also too has picked up the practise.

It looks yummy doesn’t it?

To more serious matters now……

1. The TJRC

The President of Kenya, Hon. Mwai Kibaki has appointed a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) to study historical injustices and determine root causes of the 2008 post election violence. The commission’s mandate is to study social injustices committed since independence Kenya, something that should have been done ages before. However, I welcome the move since it’s a step towards the right direction. The commission is headed by Ambassador Bethwell Kiplangat, a man of moral integrity. Given his track record I am hopeful that the TJRC will accomplish its laid out objectives. One thing though parliamentarians should be a mile away from this whole process. Please give the wheels peace, justice and morality a chance.

2. The Hague Vs Local Tribunal…… The BigQ

Parliamentarians are facing the BigQ on whether to take The Hague or the Local Tribunal (LT) option. Both have their pros and cons. The Hague tackles with the big fish ….. lets call them the Sharks (politicians) who are involved in crimes against humanity. This is a plus to ‘wanjiku’ (common person) since they have no influence over the court’s operations. However, the court process is long and conviction of these may take 2-3 years.. Remember, Justice delayed is justice denied. The local tribunal is quicker than The Hague but too prone to political interference.

The President and the Prime Minister’s way of solving things is funny… Allow me to be sarcastic. At times I wonder whether they are reading from the same book as the rest of Kenya. They are rallying support for a special court to try the instigators of the violence. Ok may be this can work but if the following conditions are met:-

a)  The President should be stripped powers to pardon persons found guilty.

b) There should be radical change in the judiciary. Remember this is the same institution that existed during when elections were disputed. And which the opposition refused to petition to citing they had no faith in it.

c) The Attorney General (AG)be stripped the powers to enter nolle prosequi in matters relating to the 2008 post election violence.

My proposal…. Let’s have a hybrid based on the two. The Big Fish should be lead to The Hague tried and if found guilty (something I hope for), jailed away somewhere cold in Russia or Mongolia… The local tribunal will however deal with the smaller fish (lack of a better word) …. or better still, call them Piranhas (foot soldiers). These are the people who did the actual looting, killing and other crimes. These am sure will be non-influential since the Sharks will be busy at The Hague. This will ease the burden on Hague since the local court can deal with a greater number of persons.

N/B:- This is a sincere request to the rest of my fellow young Kenyans. Please do not let the politicians use us the way they did during the period in question. Before you take a stone to throw you should ask yourself the following:-

a) Where are the politicians when am throwing the stones? Are they with me or are they in the comfort of their homes?

b) Where are their children? Are they with me in the streets or are they somewhere safe tucked away in the posh estates of Nairobi or probably abroad?

c) If the police are to chase us, will the politician run along with me or will he be whiskered away with his limo by his body gourds?

d) If I am to suffer any injuries during this demonstration, who will foot the hospital bill?

e) At the end of the day, once the politician achieves his goal/objectives, how does that put food on my table?

Hey, don’t take me wrongly. I am an advocate for democracy, and believe in human and environmental rights.

Remeber whatever I jot here is just a thought……….. Pound on it!!

I think I can now enjoy my mango!!!!! Regards to all

Yummy