KFS Denies Brutality Claims, Says Rangers Acted to Protect Themselves During Forest Patrol

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that its officers assaulted a man during an operation in Elgeyo Marakwet County, maintaining that the incident involved lawful enforcement action and self-defence.

In a statement issued on Monday, KFS said the incident occurred on December 22, 2025, at around mid-morning within the Chepyemit Beat area under Cheptongei Forest Station.

According to the Service, officers conducting a routine patrol within the gazetted forest encountered a man allegedly engaged in the illegal harvesting of indigenous trees for charcoal production, an offence under the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.

KFS stated that when rangers attempted to arrest the suspect, he allegedly resisted and threatened the officers while armed with a panga. One of the rangers is said to have used reasonable force to neutralise the threat in order to protect himself and colleagues.

The Service insisted that any injuries sustained by the suspect resulted from his own violent resistance during the arrest attempt, not from unlawful conduct by officers.

KFS further rejected claims that the suspect was assaulted or abandoned after the confrontation, saying officers immediately assisted him and ensured he was taken to Iten Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical treatment.

The matter was officially recorded at Chepyemit Police Station under Occurrence Book number 12/22/12/25, contradicting claims that the incident was concealed.

Illegal tools, including a panga, axe and saw, were recovered at the scene and secured as exhibits. The suspect later identified himself as Bernard Kiplagat.

The Service emphasised that forest rangers are legally recognised as public officers authorised to enforce forest protection laws and carry out arrests within gazetted forest areas. It added that the law does not allow individuals to violently resist arrest.

KFS also cautioned the public against what it termed “trial by social media,” warning that such narratives undermine due process and lawful investigations.

The agency said the National Police Service and other relevant oversight bodies are handling the matter, and that it will fully cooperate with any investigations.

KFS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Kenya’s forest resources, safeguarding the welfare of its officers, and upholding human rights and the rule of law while executing its mandate.