馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Elgeyo Marakwet residents protest Kaptagat Forest fencing, call for Rigathi Gachagua's intervention
via Tuko2 min read
Residents of Chepkorio in Elgeyo Marakwet protested on July 21 against the government's planned fencing of the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem. They accused the government of proceeding without public participation and raised claims of bribery linked to the project. Protesters chanted "wantam" directed at President William Ruto, with one resident stating that bribery was behind the push to fence the forest. Another protester, Evance Kipkorir, alleged that the region had been sidelined in terms of development despite strong electoral support for Ruto in 2022, citing the transfer of Mashujaa Day celebrations from Elgeyo Marakwet to Eldoret as an example of deliberate marginalization. Residents indicated that the government's handling of the Kaptagat Forest dispute would influence their voting decisions in the 2027 General Election. Protesters also called on Democracy for Citizens Party DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua to intervene and champion dialogue regarding the proposed fencing, urging him to ensure community concerns are heard. The Kaptagat Forest, located in the Rift Valley, has been a point of contention between local communities and government agencies over conservation and land use, with residents concerned about their livelihoods and access to forest resources. In related news, some Kericho residents also threatened to withdraw support for Ruto ahead of the 2027 polls, citing alleged oppression and stalled projects.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
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