The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on Thursday, April 27, was questioned over alleged crimes committed by their rangers against the community.
Uasin Gishu Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Chief Executive Committee (CEC) Abraham Serem accused the rangers of unlawfully charging villagers Ksh2,000 per acre and Ksh131 per cow every month.
He claimed that the affected, mostly farmers, were expected to make the payments upfront upon the beck and call of the rangers.
"When officers are in dire need of money, they walk to the villages and demand payment upfront. They charge farmers Ksh500 per quarter an acre and Ksh131 per cow per month," Serem stated.
He also accused the rangers of brutally beating up a boy leaving him unable to walk.
While appearing before the National Assembly's Public Petition Committee, KFS Director General Alex Lemarkoko, however, defended the rangers arguing that they go to great lengths to help the community.
To prove his case, Lemarkoko narrated how a ranger once risked his life to rescue a drowning man but the two unfortunately drowned.
Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, however, poked holes at the explanation and demanded to know what KFS was doing to deal with the allegations raised.
"We represent Kenyans and we cannot entertain rogue forest service rangers. These challenges are there and it is unbearable for the community," Mbai stated.
Additionally, the committee questioned the DG on why KFS seemed unaware of activities that rocked the 800-acre Shakahola Forest, part of which was owned by pastor Paul Mackenzie.
“Do KFS officers have access to all forests? If yes, why did not they report the ‘massacre’ that took place in Shakahola?” one of the MPs questioned but no definite answer was given.
The Committee, later, called upon the DG to strike a balance between protecting the rangers when in the wrong and holding them accountable.
Furthermore, they asked KFS to review the training curriculum every year before admitting new recruits.
