The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has refuted claims that one of its officers unlawfully assaulted a man at a Forest Station in Elgeiyo Marakwet, terming the allegation as misleading and inaccurate. According to the service KFS officers, the man in question allegedly resisted arrest after being spotted illegally felling indigenous trees inside the forest and even attempted to attack the officers using a panga. Forest Rangers are recognized in law as public officers and are empowered to conduct lawful arrests within gazetted forest areas," it added. "KFS officers are mandated to protect public forest resources on behalf of all Kenyans and are entitled to defend themselves when threatened in the course of duty," KFS said. “Rangers will be protected by the law, and those who threaten or attack them will face justice.

Source: Daily Nation December 30, 2025 20:09 UTC