Maraga accuses President Ruto of overseeing destruction of Kenya’s forests

The United Green Movement (UGM) co-party leader David Maraga has accused President William Ruto’s administration of overseeing widespread destruction of the country’s forests and critical ecosystems, proposing an alternative economic model that places environmental restoration at the centre of job creation and industrialisation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Maraga criticised the government’s decision to lift the logging ban, arguing that the move had exposed protected forests and water catchment areas to further degradation.

He accused the administration of pursuing policies that contradict its international climate commitments, citing the government’s 15 billion tree-growing campaign as evidence of what he called a disconnect between its environmental pledges and actions.

“President Ruto has spent over Ksh.1.45 billion since he came to power on luxurious foreign climate-related trips. He also launched a 15 billion tree-growing project at the start of his administration,” Maraga said.

"He has, however, now chosen to oversee the fastest nihilistic asset-stripping, ecosystem destruction and degradation of our national biodiversity ever known in our republic's history."

The former Chief Justice further accused the government of presiding over the destruction of indigenous forests in the Mau Forest Complex, tree harvesting near protected areas in the Aberdares and the cutting of trees along major road corridors linking Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kitale.

Maraga argued that environmental degradation threatened Kenya’s long-term economic prospects, particularly agricultural production, water security and sustainable development.

He also faulted the administration for what he described as violations of the Constitution, citing Articles 42, 69 and 10, which address the right to a clean and healthy environment, the State’s environmental obligations and the principles of sustainable development.

The 2027 presidential aspirant said the government should treat ecological conservation as an economic investment rather than an obstacle to commercial activity.

As an alternative, Maraga proposed what he termed a ‘Green Leap’ economic model, which he said would use environmental restoration to create employment, attract investment and support industrial growth.

Under the proposal, his party would establish a publicly funded ‘Green Army’ to employ young people in seed harvesting, tree nurseries, reforestation, watershed rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration.

The plan also envisages attracting international financing through verified carbon credits and biodiversity-related investments, with the proceeds channelled towards rural communities.

Maraga further proposed sustainable agroforestry as an alternative to uncontrolled commercial logging, arguing that integrating trees with food production would improve land-use efficiency while providing a structured supply of timber.

The fourth pillar of the proposal is a national green bond initiative intended to mobilise investment in renewable energy, microgrids and climate-smart agriculture.

The UGM co-party leader said the proposed model would help position environmental conservation as a driver of economic growth while reducing reliance on foreign borrowing.

He urged Kenyans to reject the Ruto administration in the next General Election, calling for the election of a government that prioritises environmental protection alongside economic development.

“We commit that our administration shall put both the people and the planet first,” Maraga said.