One Dead As Kenya Forest Service Rangers Open Fire On Angry Mob

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have launched investigations into an incident whereby two Kenya Forest Service (KFS) shot four people, killing one.

KFS revealed in a statement that the incident occurred on Saturday, December 16 as the rangers stationed in Narok South sub-county went for their normal forest protection patrols at around 2.30 pm.

The duo were said to have found six (6) goats and six (6) sheep grazing illegally within a newly planted forest without the owner.

Kenya Forest Service rangers during a past parade. /FILE

"As per the requirements of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, which prohibits unauthorized grazing in gazetted forests, the Rangers impounded the livestock," read the statement in part.

While escorting the livestock to the camp for further necessary action, the duo encountered a hostile crowd at the Chepalungu trading centre.

The rowdy mob consisted of more than 100 members of the public who blocked the road demanding for release of the livestock. 

A number of them thereafter advanced towards the Rangers, clobbering them with crude weapons before the Rangers opened fire. In the ensuing melee, one person was fatally shot and three others were injured. 

"Police Officers at Nkoben Police Station and other Forest Rangers arrived and managed to control the situation. This unfortunate incident was reported at Nkoben police post vide ob no. 06/16/12/2023," added the statement.

"The Service urges members of the public to remain calm as this regrettable incident is under investigation by the DCIO and ODPP."

The incident happened nearly two months after Environment Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya announced that her Ministry embarked on a nationwide operation on all forests in Kenya.

In a statement on Thursday, October 19, Tuya revealed that the operation would seek to end forest crimes that include encroachment as well as illegal logging.

The operation began in Mau Forest and involved a multi-agency security team tasked with reclaiming sections of the forest complex from encroachment and illegal logging activities.

However, Tuya reiterated the need for the multi-agency security teams, headed by the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, to carry out the operation humanely and to avoid actions that may lead to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of genuine forest adjacent communities.