He noted that many of them were left without homes, land, or a stable source of income after the evictions. According to him, their suffering has gone on for too long.
“Watu wale walitolewa Mau wapewe pesa yao waanze maisha upya,” he said. He assured the crowd that once the opposition takes power, compensation will be treated as a top priority.
“Na mimi nataka kuwahakikishia tukichukua serikali tukiwa na huyu Kalonzo within the first six months tutalipa hawa watu waanze maisha,” he added.
His remarks were met with cheers from supporters who attended the rally in large numbers.
Gachagua emphasized that the opposition coalition is united in its plan to address historical injustices, including the issue of Mau Forest evictions.
The Mau Forest has for years been at the center of controversy. Governments have carried out evictions in a bid to protect the water tower and conserve the environment.
However, the exercise has often been criticized for leaving families stranded without proper compensation or alternative settlement.
Opposition leaders said that while environmental conservation is important, it should not come at the cost of human suffering.
They argued that those who were removed from the forest should be supported financially to help them start new lives elsewhere.
The mention of Kalonzo referred to Kalonzo Musyoka, a key figure in the opposition coalition.
Gachagua indicated that the two leaders are working closely and are confident about winning the 2027 presidential race.
Other leaders present at the rally echoed the same message, promising reforms in land management and fair treatment of communities affected by government projects.
They said compensation for Mau evictees would be among the first actions of their administration.