Three Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has interdicted its officials on Friday for assaulting four journalists in Nyeri.
The decision by acting Chief Conservator of Forests Monica Kalenda to interdict the trio has been endorsed by the agency’s board chairman, Mr Peter Kinyua.
Confirming the matter, Kinyua said that KFS is investigating to ascertain how many rangers were involved. However, he noted that ‘there was a commotion between two groups but that does not allow us to behave that way. Our job is to protect forests and not to attack or chase away civilians with firearms’, he said.
The Royal Media Services’ reporters – Mr Emilio Muriithi, Mr Martin Munene and Mr Samuel Mbogo – were attacked by the officers when chaos erupted at Kabaru during the handover ceremony of the leadership of Community Forest Association.
The Community Forest Association supervises the shamba system, where communities living around the forest are allowed to farm as they take care of trees.
Following the incident, the journalists recorded statements at Naromoru Police Station.
Keriako Tobiko who is the Environment Cabinet Secretary assured the journalist that the matter will be investigated further and disciplinary action taken.