The forceful evictions by Kenya’s Forest and Wildlife Service of the Indigenous Ogiek people from their homes in the Mau Forest of the Rift Valley present a stark example of a global trend of economic and environmental dominance in climate action. Despite rulings to recognize Indigenous rights, the government claims the Ogiek have encroached on the forest and evicted them to plant trees for a carbon credit scheme. These evictions are part of a broader push to mobilize climate finance by leveraging growing global carbon markets. While climate finance is a critical component of advancing climate action, particularly for highly vulnerable low-income countries that emit the least, the marketization of carbon sinks to generate these funds spurs green colonialism and perpetuates oppressive capitalist systems. Stripping the Ogiek of their traditional homes directly increases the community’s vulnerability to climate impacts. Yet, the Kenyan government conceded millions of hectares to a carbon trading company established by the UAE ruling family. Additionally, the country’s carbon legislation uses a dismissive definition of “communities”, objectifying them as mere hindrances to carbon trading business. Clare Rono, an Ogiek native and community leader from East Mau Forest, notes that for Indigenous women, the impact of displacement is two-fold, as Ogiek women are forest custodians who preserve their community’s resources, food security, and traditional medicines. Reports show that the threat runs even deeper, with instances of human rights abuses, sexual violence, and murder near a Tanzanian national park. According to Rono, realizing national climate goals while respecting the Ogiek people requires thorough consultation and recognition of their rights. The article closes with a clear call to action from Rono: “raise your voices internationally for our rights to be considered” – a simple request that we all have the power to act on.
