The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has refuted claims that one of its officers unlawfully assaulted a man at a Forest Station in Elgeiyo Marakwet, terming the allegation as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 30, the service said that the incident happened on December 22 at the Chepyemit Beat, Cheptongei Forest Station, during a routine forest patrol, but it did not unfold as claimed in social media reports.
According to the service KFS officers, the man in question allegedly resisted arrest after being spotted illegally felling indigenous trees inside the forest and even attempted to attack the officers using a panga.
The service said that the man's actions prompted the ranger to use "reasonable force" to neutralise him as a form of self-defense, which is in line with the law.
"The allegations are misleading and omit critical facts concerning a lawfully documented incident that occurred on 22nd December 2025 at approximately 10:54 a.m. within Chepyemit Beat, Cheptongei Forest Station, Elgeyo/Marakwet County, and which was duly reported at Chepyemit Police Station under OB No. 12/22/12/25," the statement from the service read.
"Under Section 63 of the Penal Code, assaulting or resisting a public officer in the lawful execution of duty constitutes a criminal offence. Forest Rangers are recognized in law as public officers and are empowered to conduct lawful arrests within gazetted forest areas," it added.
After the incident, the service facilitated the man's evacuation to the forest, and he was taken to the Iten teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention.
The rangers recovered a panga, an axe, and a saw that the suspect had been using to cut down trees in the forest.
The service, which stressed that it "will not allow its officers to be unfairly vilified through misinformation and incitement," has confirmed that the National Police Service has taken over investigations on the incident.
"KFS officers are mandated to protect public forest resources on behalf of all Kenyans and are entitled to defend themselves when threatened in the course of duty," KFS said.
The government has recently reaffirmed its commitment to protecting conservation rangers across the country against groups who threaten to attack them.
Speaking during the passing-out parade of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) cadet officers in Taita Taveta County on Friday, December 19, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said that individuals who threaten conservation officers will be met with the full force of the law.
“Rangers will be protected by the law, and those who threaten or attack them will face justice. At the same time, the conservation authority must always be matched with accountability and respect for human rights. The rule of law must protect both people and wildlife,” Kindiki said.
