Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) have launched investigations into an incident where two Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Rangers shot four people, killing one.
According to KFS, the incident occurred on December 16 in Narok South Sub-County after an irate mob attacked the pair on their way to the office.
The rangers were said to have impounded several livestock, six goats, and six sheep that were illegally grazing within a newly planted forest unaccompanied by the owner.
While escorting the livestock to the camp for further necessary action, the duo encountered a hostile crowd at the Chepalungu Trading Centre.
According to a statement by KFS, the rowdy mob consisted of more than 100 people who blocked the road and demanded the release of the livestock.
A section of the crowd was also said to have advanced toward the rangers and began clobbering them with crude weapons.
“In the ensuing melee one person was fatally shot and three others were injured,” KFS confirmed in a statement.
Police Officers at Nkoben Police Station and other Forest Rangers arrived at the scene and quickly intervened to control the situation.
“This unfortunate incident was reported at Nkoben police post vide ob no. 06/16/12/2023,” KFS further noted.
“The Service urges members of the public to remain calm as this regrettable incident is under investigation by the DCIO and ODPP.”
However, according to KFS, the law prohibits unauthorised grazing in gazetted forests in line with the requirements of the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016.
The Narok South incident happened a week after a similar situation was recorded at the Eburu Forest in Nakuru.
On December 14, KFS was forced to issue a statement addressing a scenario where a ranger shot dead a resident of Eburu Village in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
Acknowledging the tragedy, KFS noted that investigations into circumstances leading to the shooting had commenced and that the officers involved recorded a statement at the Gilgil Police Station.
“The incident took place inside the forest where two people were accosted by Forest Rangers on duty, one escaped and the other person was unfortunately fatally shot,” read a statement by KFS in part.
