Five Kenya Forest Service officers arrested for beating Form 3 student to death

Five Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers were on Tuesday arrested for allegedly beating a Form Three student to death at Maji Mazuri in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.

The suspects allegedly fatally assaulted 19-year-old Stephen Mwangi after he ventured into Narasha Forest to look for his missing mother who had been detained by the said KFS personnel.

According to his father John Ambuka, the mother had been arrested for collecting firewood in the forest and the officers demanded a Ksh.2,000 bribe for her freedom but they only had Ksh.500 on them.

Ambuka said he then informed their son – Mwangi - who was at home to bring the balance to Maji Mazuri Forest Station where she was being held.

On arrival, the boy is said to have found the officers mistreating his mother, leading to a confrontation.

The five KFS officers reportedly began raining kicks and blows on Mwangi, while his father fled the scene after the suspects allegedly fired at him.

The boy succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, having been transferred from the Eldama Ravine sub-county hospital following the incident.

The suspects remain in custody pending arraignment where they will be charged with murder.

Tensions escalated in Maji Mazuri throughout the day as clashes between the community and KFS officers intensified, sparking concerns of potential violence.

Local residents have long accused KFS officers of persistent harassment, particularly directed towards women, children, and elderly residents.

Solomon Kuria, the Maji Mazuri MCA, additionally raised alarm about the concerning trend of violence involving the KFS officers, emphasising that the incidents often involve individuals gathering firewood in the forest.

He called for a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that the suspects face appropriate legal repercussions for their actions.