Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Keriako Tobiko has interdicted four Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers in Makueni over illegal logging in Kivale forest, Mbooni sub-county.
The four, County Ecosystem Conservator Joseph Wakiaga, Mbooni Forest Manager John Ngonanae, Officer In charge of enforcement James Yatich and Corporal Harun Gachii, are accused of colluding with businessmen to conduct illegal logging leading to wanton destruction of the forest.
Tobiko made the announcement Friday after touring the forest and holding a series of meetings with top government officials, local leaders and the community at Kikima market on Friday.
The interdictions follows complaints from the local community over destruction of the forest despite the moratorium issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018.
Kivale forest sits on government land measuring approximately 1000 hectares. It is one of the main water towers in Mbooni sub-county.
By Patrick Nyakundi/Roselyne Kavoo
Environment Cabinet Secretary interdicts four officers over illegal logging
