A Nairobi-based businessman has dismissed claims by Environment CS Keriako Tobiko that a piece of land of which he is a director encroaches on the Mau forest.
Kitilai ole Ntutu said the land the CS is questioning is a conservation area protecting plants and wildlife.
On Tuesday, Tobiko listed Ntutu as a director of land acquired in the forest when he tabled a document on Parliament.
“This land is now Mau conservancy, a community-based project with 15,000 acres with individual holding of 300 people. We started 20 years ago and it is duly a registered conservancy just like others operating in Maasai Mara Game Reserve,” Ntutu said.
Speaking to the Star on phone, Ntutu said Tobiko should get his facts right before misleading public. The land, he said, is not part of the five group ranches bordering the forest.
“I have planted a lot of indigenous trees in my share of 722 hectares for carbon credit purposes and I think that confuses Tobiko that the area is forest land. The state should consider awarding us for emerging the best in protecting the environment,” he said.
Ntutu said he read malice in Tobiko's statement, saying that the CS was fronting his own political interests.
“It seems Tobiko wants to succeed the late William ole Ntimama as the Maasai community spokesman. That is why he is making populist declarations,” he said.