More than 1,000 members of the Ogiek in Sasimwani are distressed after being evicted from their homes with nowhere to go.
They are counted among other encroachers despite being a recognisable knowledge that they are indigenous forest dwellers. This is backed by two judgments (2017 and 2022) delivered by the Arusha-based African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, which recognised their rights over the Mau complex.
The court in its June 23 last year judgment ordered the government to undertake a delimitation, demarcation and communal land titling to protect the Ogiek people's right to property, which in the case revolved around their occupation, use and enjoyment of the Mau Forest and its various resources.
Further, it ordered the Kenyan government to pay the Ogiek Sh57.8 million in compensation for the loss of property and natural resources, and Sh100 million for moral prejudice suffered due to violations of the right to non-discrimination, religion, culture and development.
It also directed the government not to repeat any further violations and to ensure meaningful consultation in making decisions that affect the community.
But early Thursday morning on November 2, members of Sasimwani woke up to see destructions of their homes, just a day after the last Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment that ended on November 1.
Tens of houses have been destroyed and families, including children, are left to survive in the cold. Olodomurti Primary School was also brought down.
The eviction of forest communities is a serious issue that affects their lives and livelihoods. The forest community of Sasimwnai has been living in harmony with nature for centuries, but they are increasingly threatened by deforestation and logging activities from external actors that destroy their homes and resources.
Many of these communities have no legal rights to the land they occupy, and they face violence, intimidation and displacement from governments seeking to fence off the seek the forest for carbon trade.
The eviction of forest communities not only violates their human rights, but also harms the environment and biodiversity, as well as the global efforts to combat climate change.
Forests are vital for regulating the earth's climate, storing carbon, and providing essential ecosystem services. By evicting forest communities, we are losing not only their valuable knowledge and culture, but also their role as guardians of the forest.
The Ogiek call on the government to immediately halt the eviction and start consultations with the community to provide for their reparations.
The author is a programme officer, Ogiek Peoples' Development Programme