By Bonface Mulyungi

More than 300 families from the Ogyek community living in Samburet Forest in the Kibulgei area of Kipkelion, Kericho County, are demanding justice following what they describe as a forceful eviction from their ancestral land by individuals they allege are influential politicians from Kericho and Bomet counties.

Speaking to the press on Friday, the affected residents said the eviction operation left hundreds of families homeless and exposed to harsh conditions, with many allegedly losing houses, livestock and other personal belongings.

The residents further claimed that despite writing to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Office of the President and the Ministry of Interior seeking intervention, little action has been taken to address their grievances or facilitate their return to the disputed land.

The families are now appealing to the government to urgently step in and help them reclaim what they describe as their ancestral home, saying they have nowhere else to settle.

“We are the owners of this land; I was born here and have lived in this land since 1950. I was initiated here and worked here until my retirement,” Joel Kilel, a resident in Kibulgei said.

Another resident Joseph Koech added, “Watoto wetu ata hawasomi, tumeteseka sana na hatuna ata kiongozi mmoja amekuja kutusaidia. Rais Ruto na Kericho Senator tusaidieni.”