The State has ordered the closure of Likia and Logoman forests from any human activities following recent skirmishes that led to four people being killed and tens others left nursing injuries.
Rift Valley Region Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan said human movement, livestock grazing, or cutting of trees was forbidden in the forestland, and anyone found in the forest would be considered a criminal.
“We have got a report that there is a criminal gang living in the forests that is armed with spears and is threatening the residents. We will not allow this to continue. Anyone found in the forestland from today will be considered a criminal,” he reiterated.
The RC spoke on Wednesday when he toured Kirampa and Nessuit areas at the border of Narok and Nakuru counties, where he asked the communities living in the area to co-exist peacefully.
He reiterated that investigations were ongoing to reveal the killers of the four people who were murdered in the forestland.
“Those found responsible for the killings will be arrested and prosecuted in court of law. The guns that were allegedly used in some of the killings have already been taken for investigations,” he said.
He warned residents against carrying any form of weapon, saying there was enough police presence to protect life and property.
“The primary responsibility of the government is to protect lives and property. If we are defeated, then there is no need for us to be in government. This is why these perennial skirmishes in this area should end immediately,” he noted.
He said when peace is restored in the areas bordering the forest land, then the State would open up the forest land for the communities to continue grazing their livestock and collecting firewood there.
Dr. Hassan reminded that there was no community that was superior to another, reiterating that all the residents have the right to benefit from the forest resource.
“Even though there are boundaries, the forest is for everyone. We will first restore peace before we allow people back in the forest land,” he said.
The RC also called on people keeping stolen livestock to return them to the owners before the security officials mount a search for all stolen goods.
“Today, we came asking people to maintain peace, but tomorrow, we will force peace to prevail so that people can continue with their businesses as usual. We cannot allow a small group of criminals to cause tension in this area,” he warned.
At the same time, the RC sounded a warning to police officers and officials from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) who side with a certain community to escalate violence that they risked being sacked and prosecuted in the court of law.
The peace meeting was attended by Narok North Women Representative Agnes Pareyio, Olokurto Member of County Assembly Joshua Kishoyian, Rift Valley region security committee, and Narok and Nakuru counties’ security committees.
By Ann Salaton
