The Tanzania-based African Court of Human Rights is expected to deliver a ruling today which may force the hunter-gatherer Ogiek people to leave their ancestral lands in Kenya's Rift valley.

The government in Nairobi has long campaigned for the tribespeople's removal.

Officials argue the step is necessary to protect the Mau Forest.

It's the largest forest of indigenous trees in East Africa.

Thirty-five thousand complainants sued the Kenyan authorities over systematic rights violations and denial of land rights.

One community member, 96-year-old Rashamba, told the BBC's David Wafula:

"I have lived here since I was born, I grew up here, married traditionally, had my family here, buried my husband in this forest, I don't know anywhere else, for now I live here with my great grandchildren, I would love to see them carry on our traditions."