Five individuals employed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) found themselves in police custody on Tuesday following allegations of involvement in the fatal beating of a Form Three student in Maji Mazuri, Eldama Ravine, situated in Baringo County.
Reportedly, 19-year-old Stephen Mwangi met a tragic fate after purportedly encountering brutality at the hands of the said KFS officers.
His venture into Narasha Forest was prompted by his mother’s detainment by the KFS personnel, who had apprehended her for collecting firewood.
The officers allegedly demanded a bribe of Sh.2,000 for her release, despite the family having only Sh.500 at their disposal, as recounted by Mwangi’s father, John Ambuka.
Informed of the situation, Mwangi proceeded to the Maji Mazuri Forest Station with the intent to provide the remaining amount.
Upon arrival, he allegedly witnessed his mother being mistreated by the officers, which led to a confrontation. Subsequently, the five KFS officers purportedly assaulted Mwangi, while Ambuka, his father, fled the scene following alleged gunfire aimed at him.
Despite efforts to save him, Mwangi tragically succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, having been transferred from the Eldama Ravine sub-county hospital.
The suspects are currently detained pending formal charges of murder.
The incident has triggered heightened tensions in Maji Mazuri, with clashes between the local community and KFS officers escalating throughout the day, raising concerns of potential violence.
Residents have long voiced grievances against KFS officers, accusing them of persistent harassment, particularly targeting women, children, and the elderly.
Solomon Kuria, the Maji Mazuri MCA, highlighted the troubling pattern of violence involving KFS officers, particularly in incidents related to individuals gathering firewood in the forest.
He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable under the law.
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