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Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has applauded Kenya Forest Service for interdicting rangers who were caught on camera assaulting a man who was fetching firewood in Kwale County.

Duale said even though KFS and the government do not condone any act of illegal deforestation, he said the enforcement of laws should be done within the confines of the law.

“My attention has been drawn to a repugnant video circulating online of @KeForestService Rangers brutalising a citizen found ferrying firewood in Lunga Lunga, Kwale County.

“In as much as the government is firm in its determination to end all forms of forest crimes, including illegal logging, such brutal acts that are clearly a violation of human dignity and rights cannot be condoned.

“I acknowledge KFS’s swift decision to interdict one of the officers,” Duale said in a post on X on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

The CS also gave an order that the other officers who took part in the incident be interdicted.

“However, it is clear from the video that more than one ranger was involved. I therefore direct the Chief Conservator of Forests to immediately interdict the rest of the rangers involved in accordance with established procedures,” he added.

KFS stance

KFS said they have launched an investigation into the incident and that those who were involved will be held accountable.

“Following a video circulating online depicting a KFS Forest Ranger harassing a suspect in Lunga Lunga, Kwale County, the Service wishes to clarify that it does not condone such behaviour and the Ranger in question has been interdicted.

“Investigations are ongoing, and all those responsible will be held to account. The service upholds a human rights-based approach in conducting any arrests of forest offenders, and all staff are empowered with the necessary skills and knowledge,” KFS affirmed.

It added that the incident captured is against their working ethics.

“Hence, such incidents are unacceptable and do not reflect our ethos as a service. The public is encouraged to report any incidents of harassment, corruption, and forest crimes to the nearest police station,” he said.