Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) Forest Rangers at Molo Forest Station confronted illegal loggers who comprised a group of several men while loading logs from illegally felled trees.
The Rangers got wind of a lorry that had made its way into Molo West Forest block under the cover of darkness when they laid an ambush.
The driver managed to drive the lorry towards the Molo-Mau summit road before abandoning it, after which he escaped on foot to a nearby village. The vehicle Reg. No. KBU 396V was later moved to Molo Police Station. All 48 cypress logs that had been illegally felled were salvaged for safe custody. The case was booked under OB no. 8/6/12/2023.
“The suspects remain at large. The police through the DCI Molo sub – County, are also in the process of investigating and looking for the owner of the vehicle,” said KFS.
KFS added, “The Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr Alex Lemarkoko has commended the station manager and rangers for braving the darkness and dangerous Forest to stop illegal logging in their area of jurisdiction He also advises the public to observe the law and desist from engaging in illegal logging which will lead to arrest and prosecution.”
In addition KFS reminded the public that all public gazetted forests are out of bounds from 6.00pm to 6.00am and anyone found contravening this rule will be arrested.
The CCF further noted that the ongoing IMARISHA MISITU campaign will progress as planned and advised Forest neighbouring communities to volunteer information to respective KFS Forest officers as well as the Ministry hotline no 0800724570.
