Saving Kenya’s Forests

Category: Forest loss, Kenya's unique people | Date: Feb 11 2008 | By: admin

Kenya’s forests, just as its people, have felt the impact of the violence that followed the disputed 2007 elections. The National Geographic reported that the forest dwelling Ogieks have been threatened and some members have lost lives as a direct result of the violence. The National Geographic says, “The Ogiek, best known for their traditional methods of beekeeping, have become caught up in ethnic clashes following the vote, resulting in the deaths of nine tribal members at the hands of police, according to leaders. The killings may have been retribution for the tribe’s support for opposition candidate Raila Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), in the recent election, tribal officials say.”

Elsewhere in Bomet, the Daily Nation (18 January 2008) reports that more than 2,000 exotic and indigenous trees worth more than Sh1.2 million have been destroyed by illegal loggers.

“Bomet District forest officer William Cheptoo said the loggers had taken advantage of the post-election violence to deplete the Chepalungu government gazetted forest. He explained that the forest was left unguarded after forest guards fled.Three months ago, members of the local community said to have opposed the conservation of the forest, invaded Chelelach forest station, which is part of the expansive Chepalungu forest block, and killed a forest guard. Speaking to journalists in his Bomet town office Thursday, Mr Cheptoo said the loggers were extracting timber and fencing poles from the felled trees.
More than 100,000 tree seedlings planted six months ago were uprooted, he added.”

And today, the Daily Nation reports that a forest in Nyeri district has become the dumping ground for bodies by unidentified killers. The killings are unrelated to the post elections violence.

We are saddened by the loss of lives and the terrible impact the violence is having on the country, its people, its economy, resources and its future. We pray along with all Kenyans that a solution will be found soon.