Chinese nationals caught destroying part of Oloolua Forest in Kajiado went into hiding after Forest officials and activists stormed the site.
The company was reportedly found contravening contract terms after it emerged they had rescinded on the promise to rehabilitate the Forest.
The Kenyan government has since began pursuing the suspects in relation to the destruction allegations.
Suspended licence
According to a local daily, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) suspended Hydro Masters licence to extract quarry dust from the forest.
Besides, over four KFS officials at the station may face sack for allowing the destruction of the forest which offers a unique nature trail in the city.
“It was confirmed that the licensee has contravened the conditions of the license by expanding the road and causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment. Evidence of rehabilitation of the site as per the terms of the license were also not evident,” KFS stated.
Public outrage
The action came hours after a public outcry especially on social media platforms about the massive destruction of the forest by the Chinese.
Wildlife activist and environmentalist Jackie Arkle was among the first to expose the activity of the Chinese firm deep in the forest.
“So I stay next to the Oloolua forest and the last few weeks there has been so much commotion in the forest, so today we took a way to the forest and we found the Chinese have been destroying the forest and digging deep holes there,” she raised alarm.
Concealed number plates
According to Arkle, the Chinese had their cars number plates covered with manila to conceal the registration numbers.
“They were all hiding when we got there. Then one of them asked us we talk and not to report a thing,” the environmentalist narrated.
Massive deforestation
Another tweep Justus Mwaniki added, “Somebody posted here an aerial view of the forest and it’s visible a big chunk has been deforested.
“GoK is giving the Chinese a go ahead to rob us of our forests, what is contained in those secret contracts that we are never expected to see?” he posed.