Despite a landmark ruling, Kenya’s Ogiek community are still fighting to return to their ancestral land The Ogiek have been the custodians of Kenya’s Mau Forest long before the state of Kenya even existed. However, waves of encroachment and evictions have left the Ogiek marginalised and increasingly landless, while the forest has been degraded by logging and agricultural activities. (Jason Taylor/International Land Coalition ) 10 March 2021 Share this page The Ogiek have been the custodians of Kenya’s Mau Forest long before the state of Kenya even existed. However, waves of encroachment and evictions have left the Ogiek marginalised and increasingly landless, while the forest has been degraded by logging and agricultural activities.