When you drive through the forest area,there is no sign of destruction. But take the morning 6.45 a.m 540 flight -the one that does Kisumu direct before landing at Eldoret. The destruction you will see,as Eddiemundu has said in another thread is heart rending.
But again,a helicopter ride in many more places,including Nyanza and Mt. Elgon also reveals a trail of destruction. After this Mau issue is sorted out,I wish the heavy hand lands on these other forests. and important ecosystems like Ondiri swamp in Kikuyu,the endangered papyrus reed swamps in Busia which people have invaded. There is a forest in Koibatek called Lembus (unless things have changed) which the local communites protect with religious zeal. Any intrusion into the forest would (then)elicit a war cry and people would come out to face the forest poachers even at night. What happened to such communities?
The maasai in the Loita forest are also a good study point.
sorry to digress,but my point is that communities should not allow psycophants to hide in them as they destroy their future. The govt. support and big guns only come in as supportive. Lakini Mau has reached 'life and death' status and if all else fails,force should be used.
Everyday!