Mau Forest evictees demand audit of Ksh2.6bn compensation over wrong payments
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Families evicted from the Maasai Mau Forest in Narok County say the Ksh2.6 billion compensation announced by President William Ruto reached the wrong people, and want the beneficiary list reviewed.
Families evicted from the Maasai Mau Forest in Narok County say they have not received the money promised by President William Ruto, and want the government to investigate claims that the Ksh2.6 billion compensation package went to the wrong people.
On August 26, 2026, Ruto announced that 13,000 people affected by the evictions would receive Ksh2.6 billion, with each person expected to get Ksh200,000. Some residents say they were left out of the payments despite losing their homes and land.
Lawyer Esra Mark Kiplangat said some residents had followed the proper process to obtain title deeds from the Ministry of Lands through the county land registrar before they were evicted, and called for the list of beneficiaries to be checked.
“The President gave out Ksh 2.6 billion to assist these people, but wrong people were paid,” Kiplangat said, urging the authorities to review the list and follow the correct process to identify and pay those who lost their homes.
Shadrack Kiplangat, a resident of Olmekenyu, said the authorities should pursue those accused of taking money meant for evictees so that the funds are recovered and returned to the families entitled to them. Another resident said the loss of a home had left affected families struggling to meet basic needs.
The complaints come amid wider anger over unpaid compensation. In September, more than 2,000 evictees returned to the Maasai Mau Forest saying they had not received the money they expected. The affected families now want the government to explain how beneficiaries were selected, examine the claims of wrongful payment and ensure that those who qualify are paid.