An online allegation that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officer assaulted a male at the Elgeyo Marakwet County forest station has been disputed by the KFS, with the latter clarifying the incident that went against the online narrative.
In a statement that KFS issued on Tuesday, December 30, the force said that the incident occurred on the 22nd of December at Chepyemit Beat in Cheptongei Forest Station during a routine patrol activity. “The incident,” KFS explained, “did not happen as depicted on the social media platforms.”
KFS stated that rangers on patrol saw a man chopping indigenous trees contrary to law within the protected forest. As they approached him for arrest, he apparently showed defiance and was attempting to attack them with a panga.
“The service states that one of the park rangers reacted by using reasonable force in the defence of himself and fellow officers, which the service claims is legal,” the group added.
“The allegations are misleading and fail to include essential facts relating to a legally documented incidence that happened on 22nd December 2025 at about 10:54 am within Chepyemit Beat, Cheptongei Forest Station, Elgeyo/Marakwet County,” KFS stated. These, according to KFS, were documented at Chepyemit Police Station with OB No. 12/22/12/25.
KFS pointed out that under Section 63 of the Penal Code, any resistance or assault offered to a public officer in the course of the lawful execution of their duty constitutes a criminal offense. The service said forest rangers are declared to be public officers and have arrest powers within the forest areas that are gazetted.
The injured man was evacuated from the forest shortly after the confrontation and was taken to Iten Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention. The rangers also recovered a panga, an axe, and a saw that were being used to cut down trees contrary to the law.
The service reiterated that it will not stand by and allow its officers to become the target of malicious information and incitement, but also confirmed that the National Police Service has launched investigations regarding the matter.
“KFS officers are charged with protecting public forest resources on behalf of the people of Kenya, and they have the right to defend themselves when threatened in the course of their duties,” it reads.
The incident is occurring in the wake of renewed government promises to ensure that conservation officials are safe. During the passing out parade at Kenya Wildlife Service cadet officers at Taita Taveta County on December 19th, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki declared that anyone found undermining and attacking conservations officials will be dealt with by the full rule of law.
“Rangers shall be protected by the law, and persons threatening to harm or carrying out attacks against them shall face justice,” Kindiki said, while also emphasizing that the powers vested in conservators shall always be exercised in a manner that balances accountability and respect for human rights.
