Over 300 farmers from Baringo County were on Wednesday evicted from Koibatek forest farms as part of the government's move to secure the forest land.
The move follows the announcement made by Environment CS Soipan Tuya on an operation to prevent forest encroachment and illegal logging in the country.
In a video, hundreds of families convened within the forest, plotting their next move following the eviction.
They vowed to stage protests to put an end to what they perceived as 'harassment' by the government.
"We will not be silenced by the government. Our agreement is that we will take to the streets and continue our fight until our grievances are acknowledged," one of the representatives stated.
The incident follows the government's efforts to evict squatters from forest land.
President William Ruto ordered the immediate eviction of individuals living in Mau forest, stating that the government would not negotiate with illegal settlers.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the country's water towers, particularly the Mau Forest.
"Among the ten water towers we have in Kenya, Mau Forest is the most important," he stated on October 1, 2023.
"Those already in the forest should get out immediately because we are putting up a fence. And it is not a request."
Following the orders, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan oversaw the operation, facilitating the eviction of 3,000 families from the forest.
Hassan noted that the most affected areas included Ololpil, Olokurto, Sachwasan, Nkaretta, Kerampa and Enebelbel. He also confirmed that the government would not compensate the illegal settlers.
