The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a Form 3 student in Trans Nzoia County, following initial reports that the victim was shot dead by one of its officers. The incident occurred on Monday morning at the Makunga Forest block, which is part of the Saboti Forest Station in Trans Nzoia County.
According to the KFS, the incident took place during a routine operation to enforce the law and remove illegal invaders who had been cultivating crops and building structures on land designated as a gazetted forest. The forest rangers involved in the operation were confronted by a group of individuals armed with crude weapons, which led to a confrontation. During the ensuing melee, one person was tragically injured by what is suspected to have been a stray bullet.
The KFS has firmly refuted claims that the victim was shot on a private farm. In a statement, the service clarified that the shooting took place within the boundaries of the forest, not on a private property as initially alleged. The land in question is under the management of KFS, and the shooting was part of their broader efforts to manage and conserve public forests.
The service has assured the public that it is fully cooperating with the National Police Service to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served to the victim. KFS also emphasized its commitment to upholding human rights while enforcing forest regulations, and it has vowed to continue its efforts to protect and manage Kenya’s public forests responsibly.
This incident follows a series of similar events, raising concerns about the conduct of KFS officers during law enforcement operations. Just a month ago, a KFS officer was accused of shooting and killing a civilian in the Kiptunga Forest in Kuresoi South. The officer and a colleague were on patrol when they encountered a civilian who was carrying firewood. According to reports, when the officer attempted to seize the firewood, the civilian allegedly pulled out a knife and tried to stab the officer, prompting him to open fire. Following the incident, firearms were recovered from the officers involved, and an investigation was launched.
In another recent case, three KFS rangers were charged with murder after they allegedly shot and killed a man within the Narasha Forest block in Baringo County. The three officers Robert Ngilimo, Hillary Bett, and McDonald Wafula were accused of unlawfully shooting Augustine Kipngetich on February 5, 2025. The incident took place in the evening, and the officers were subsequently charged with murder. The case has since been brought before the Kabarnet High Court, where the rangers pleaded not guilty to the charges.
These incidents have sparked a broader conversation about the role of KFS in maintaining public order within forest areas and the accountability of its officers. While KFS has made efforts to assure the public of its commitment to protecting forest resources and ensuring law and order, the repeated allegations of excessive use of force raise questions about the training and conduct of its personnel.
As the investigation into the shooting of the Form 3 student continues, the KFS has pledged to cooperate fully with the police and work towards ensuring that justice is done. The service has also reaffirmed its stance on the importance of managing and conserving forests, while recognizing the need to balance law enforcement with the protection of human rights. The tragic incident in Trans Nzoia is a reminder of the complexities involved in enforcing laws in sensitive areas like gazetted forests, where land use, conservation, and human rights intersect.
