Maasai Council of Elders has declared that evictions from Mukutani forest in Baringo County and subsequent demolition of a primary school were done according to the law and should not be used for political mileage.

The elders have come to the defence of Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko by stating that individuals who had encroached on forest land were degrading an important water catchment area.

Through their spokesman Kelenia Nchoe, the elders said the eviction of illegal settlers from Mukutani Forest was aimed at protecting the natural water catchment area from further degradation as a result of unlawful logging, unregulated grazing and unsustainable agricultural activities.

Nchoe affirmed that the chief conservator was merely discharging his official duties by overseeing evictions on gazetted forest land.

The elders lashed out at politicians for exploding the issue for political gain and urged them to allow Mr Lemarkoko to carry out his duties in line with government policy and the law.

“Mr Lemarkoko is a civil servant acting within the law. The law is clear on gazetted forest land and it must be respected if we are to conserve forests for the benefit of current and future generations,” said Nchoe.

He warned that politicising the eviction is an ingredient to fuelling tensions and called on the leaders accused of inciting the locals to desist and instead channel their grievances to the appropriate authorities.

“Forest land issues have become highly emotive and there’s need to seek clarity from relevant offices rather than misleading the public,” Nchoe observed.

Nchoe who was accompanied by his Deputy Sironga ole Iree called on politicians to weigh their statements before going public. He told them to pursue lgal mechanisms to help address their concerns.

The elders’ remarks came days after Baringo county women representative Florence Jamatiah accused Lemarkoko of evicting residents of Larumoru area and overseeing the demolition of a school allegedly located in a forest reserve.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Emily Kadzo