The Standard is reporting that a group of 700 Kenyans are suing their government over the damage caused by the invasive shrub known as mathenge (Prosopis juliflora, mesquite). The Attorney General, Minister for Environment, and National Environment Management Authority are all named in the lawsuit. AllAfrica.com also has the story, and notes that the plaintiffs claim that the government is responsible for allowing the Food and Agriculture Organization to intentionally introduce the plant back in the 1980s. As was reported by the ISW last year, a group of Kenyans sued the FAO over the mesquite invasion in May of 2005. [It's likely the same group of people involved, but I can't find any further information on the status of the first lawsuit.]
Bonus points to both news sources for using the plant's scientific name.
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