The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has denied allegations that one of its officers fatally shot a Form 3 student on a private farm, clarifying that the incident occurred within a gazetted forest under its management. In a statement issued Tuesday, KFS stated the shooting took place at the Makunga Forest block of Saboti Forest Station in Trans Nzoia County, refuting reports that the student was killed on private property.
The matter is currently under investigation, with KFS cooperating with the National Police Service. “Allegations that the victim was killed at a private farm are misleading and not factual,” read part of the KFS statement.
This comes amid increasing scrutiny of the agency’s enforcement practices, following several fatal shootings involving forest rangers. Just last month, a KFS officer allegedly shot and killed a civilian collecting firewood in Kiptunga Forest, Kuresoi South. The officer claimed self-defense after the victim allegedly attempted to stab him with a knife.
Separately, three KFS rangers—Robert Ngilimo, Hillary Bett, and McDonald Wafula—were arraigned at Kabarnet High Court on March 13 over the fatal shooting of Augustine Kipngetich in Narasha Forest, Baringo County. The officers, accused of opening fire during an enforcement operation to remove illegal settlers, pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
KFS maintains that it is committed to responsible forest management and human rights, even as it faces mounting pressure to address the use of force by its personnel.