CORRIDORS OF JUSTICE: Law Court Issues Order Restraining Kamnarok Eviction

More than 20 houses have so far been burned since last month by Kenya Wildlife Service Officers to disburse residents around Lake Kamnarok conservancy.

May 24, 2024 - 22:42
May 24, 2024 - 22:45
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CORRIDORS OF JUSTICE: Law Court Issues Order Restraining Kamnarok Eviction
Image of grass-thatched huts razed by KWS officers to evict residents of Kamnarok who allegedly encroached Lake Kamnarok Game Reserve. Photo/ Courtesy

By JOSEPH KANGOGO

 Reprieve for residents living in Kamnarok Game Reserve after Iten environment and land court Friday issued a stop order to restrain Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) from further invasive evictions.

The ruling was made in a case filed by Senior Council Dr Khaminwa on behalf of Kamnarok farmers (petitioners) before Lady Justice L.N Waithaka.

/KWS torch houses to disburse residents around Lake Kamnarok conservancy,  Baringo North last week. Photo/ Courtesy 

"That pending hearing and determination of application, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from carrying out further evictions, razing down houses, demolishing structures, destroying crops at Kamnarok, Baringo North within Kamnarok National Reserve pending inter parties hearing of application dated 12th May 2024 on 30th May 2024" 

So far more than 20 houses have been burned since last month by Kenya Wildlife Service Officers to disburse residents around Lake Kamnarok conservancy.

/Ruling by Iten environment and land court on Friday.  

Earlier on, Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap, in his statement, called upon residents to remain calm as he engages authorities to stop the invasion.

"I have neither been notified nor received any any formal eviction letter from KWS or any relevant government agency, so I only urge my people to relax as we chat way forward," he said.

The area was back in 1989 under the defunct County Council of Baringo, demarcated and gazetted as a National Game Reserve.

Since then, people have not moved as stated. Instead, they continued to live and encroach into and cultivated the natural ecosystem currently housing thousands of Elephants among other tourism attraction species.

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