CS Duale orders interdiction of all forest rangers behind abuse of Kwale woman

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered the Chief Conservator of Forests to immediately interdict all Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers behind the brutalization of a woman in Lunga Lunga, Kwale County.

In the incident captured on video and circulated online, the rangers are reported to have caught the woman ferrying firewood.

KFS on Tuesday condemned the “unacceptable” incident and announced that the ranger in question had been interdicted.

“Investigations are ongoing and all those responsible will be held to account,” the service said on its X account.

In a statement on Wednesday, CS Duale acknowledged, KFS’s decision to interdict the ranger, but said “It is clear from the video that more than one ranger was involved.”

“I therefore direct the Chief Conservator of Forests to immediately interdict the rest of the rangers involved in accordance with established procedures,” he said.

“In as much as the government is firm in its determination to end all forms of forest crimes including illegal logging, such brutal acts that are clearly a violation of human dignity and rights cannot be condoned,” added Duale.