Five Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers were arrested on Tuesday following allegations of fatally beating a Form Three student in Maji Mazuri, Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.
Nineteen-year-old Stephen Mwangi was reportedly assaulted by the officers after he entered Narasha Forest in search of his missing mother, who had been detained by the KFS personnel.
According to his father John Ambuka, Stephen’s mother had been arrested for gathering firewood in the forest, and the officers demanded a Ksh.2,000 bribe for her release. However, the family only had Ksh.500 on them.
Ambuka instructed his son, Stephen, to bring the remaining amount to the Maji Mazuri Forest Station where his mother was being held.
Upon arrival, Stephen found the officers mistreating his mother, leading to a confrontation. The five KFS officers allegedly began assaulting Stephen, while Ambuka fled the scene after the officers purportedly fired at him.
Tragically, Stephen succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, having been transferred from Eldama Ravine sub-county hospital following the altercation.
The suspects remain in custody pending arraignment, where they will face charges of murder.
Tensions escalated in Maji Mazuri throughout the day as clashes between the community and KFS officers intensified, sparking concerns of potential violence.
Local residents have long accused KFS officers of persistent harassment, particularly targeting women, children, and elderly residents.
Solomon Kuria, the Maji Mazuri MCA, additionally raised alarm about the concerning trend of violence involving KFS officers, emphasizing that the incidents often involve individuals gathering firewood in the forest.
He called for a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that the suspects face appropriate legal repercussions for their actions.
