It has been 8 years since the Arusha landmark ruling.
The Arusha landmark ruling of May 26, 2017 which is ruling by the African Court on Human and People’s Rights in Arusha, Tanzania found the Kenyan government in violation of the rights of the rights of the Ogiek.
Specifically, the court ruled that the Kenyan government had violated the Ogiek community’s rights to life, property, natural resources, development, religion, and culture, as guaranteed by the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The court ruled that the government of Kenya should move to ensure a communal land for the Ogiek community who traces their ancestral land in Mau Forest.
This ruling was a result of an eight-year legal battle by the Ogiek community against the Kenyan government.
Despite the East Africa Court on Human Rights making the ruling, the Kenyan Government has continued to derail implementation of the same.
This was revealed on Monday May 26, 2025 as members of the Ogiek community congregated at Mariashoni grounds in Molo for the African Court Judgment Commemoration.
Speaking during the event, Ogiek Peoples Development Program Director Daniel Kobei reiterated the need for government to respect the Arusha landmark ruling on the rights of Ogiek community.
“I wonder why the Kenyan Government has continued to disobey the Arusha landmark ruling. What we are saying is that let the implementation take place as per court decision that recognized Ogiek Peoples rights,” stated Kobei.
He faulted government for coming up with a program on cutline and boundary delimitation in Mau Forest adding such a move will displace the Ogiek community hence violating their human rights on ancestral land ownership.
According to him, the issuance of some title deeds by government is contravention of the Ogiek Peoples rights as they were not involved.
This, even as Kobei revealed that on June 4, they will be moving to Arusha to understand where the Government of Kenya has reached with implementation of the Arusha Landmark ruling.
“We have a date with Kenyan Government at the Arusha Court on June 4, 2025 to understand where the government has reached in terms of implementation of the Arusha Landmark ruling,” he stated.
Sentiments echoed by Ogiek Council of Elders Chairman John Sironga.
He faulted government of Kenya for coming up with numerous taskforce that have not seen light of the day.
According to elder Sironga, the government of Kenya has failed to respect the Arusha Landmark ruling.
He was however quick to point out that the truth shall prevail come June 4, 2025.
“The government of Kenya has turned a deaf ear to the Ogiek and that’s why we are saying the truth shall be known on June 4, 2025 at the Arusha Court,” stated Sironga.
On her part Sarah Osasi from Ogiek community wondered why other communities are respected yet Ogiek community are not.
She questioned the Kenya Kwanza Government on ongoing cutlines and boundary delimitation in Mau Forest without involving Ogiek.
According to her, implementation of Arusha Landmark ruling is what will help the community.
“Why is it that other communities are respected in this country but when it comes to Ogiek we are treated as others. We want President Ruto to help us by implementing the Arusha Landmark ruling,” she said.
It should be noted that every May 26, the Ogiek community come together to honor the role of the African Court in promoting human rights, accountability, and the rule of law.
Members of the community argue that they will not relent in fighting for justice and ensure that their rights as granted by African Court are implemented.