 has refuted allegations that one of its officers fatally shot a Form 3 student on private property){kind=link}
Kenya Forest Service Denies Wrongdoing in Fatal Shooting of Form 3 Student in Trans Nzoia
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has refuted allegations that one of its officers fatally shot a Form 3 student on private property in Trans Nzoia County, clarifying that the incident took place within a gazetted forest during an official operation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, KFS explained that the shooting occurred on Monday morning at approximately 8:00 am at the Makunga Forest block of Saboti Forest Station. Rangers were reportedly conducting a law enforcement operation to evict individuals who had invaded forest land for illegal cultivation and construction.
“During the operation, the officers were confronted by a group of goons armed with crude weapons. In the ensuing chaos, one individual was fatally injured by a suspected stray bullet,” the service stated.
KFS has disputed claims that the incident happened on a private farm, describing such reports as “misleading and not factual.” The agency maintained that the land in question is a protected area under its jurisdiction.
The service further confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the National Police Service to investigate the matter and ensure justice for the deceased.
“We are committed to upholding the rule of law and human rights as we execute our mandate to conserve and protect Kenya’s public forests,” the statement added.
Spotlight on Use of Force
This latest incident comes amid growing scrutiny over KFS’s use of force in forest law enforcement. Just last month, a KFS officer allegedly shot and killed a civilian collecting firewood in Kiptunga Forest, Kuresoi South. The officer claimed he acted in self-defense after the civilian attempted to stab him with a knife.
Kuresoi South DCI officers have since launched a probe into the shooting, and firearms used in the patrol were confiscated.
In another case, three KFS rangers—Robert Ngilimo, Hillary Bett, and McDonald Wafula—were charged with the murder of a man identified as Augustine Kipngetich at the Narasha Forest block in Baringo County. The incident occurred on February 5, 2025. All three pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Justice Rachel Ngetich at the Kabarnet High Court.
As investigations continue, human rights groups and local leaders are calling for increased accountability and transparency in forest protection operations.
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Kenya Forest Service Denies Wrongdoing in Fatal Shooting of Form 3 Student in Trans Nzoia