The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has denied social media claims that its officers unlawfully assaulted Bernard Kiplagat Tarus, alias “Kishoto,” at Yemit and Cheptongei Forest Stations on December 23, 2025.
In a statement on December 29, KFS said the claims omit key facts surrounding a lawfully documented incident that occurred at about 10:54 a.m. within Chepyemit Beat, Cheptongei Forest Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The service stated that the incident was reported at Chepyemit Police Station under Occurrence Book (OB) No. 12/22/12/25.
“The allegations are misleading and omit critical facts concerning a lawfully documented incident that occurred on 22nd December 2025 at approximately 10:54 a.m. within Chepyemit Beat, Cheptongei Forest Station, Elgeyo/Marakwet County, and which was duly reported at Chepyemit Police Station under OB No. 12/22/12/25,” read part of the statement.
KFS Dismisses Assault Claims, Says Injuries Occurred During Lawful Arrest
According to KFS, forest rangers on a routine patrol encountered an adult male allegedly engaged in the illegal felling of indigenous trees inside a gazetted State Forest for the purpose of producing charcoal, an offence under Section 64 of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.
The authority added that the suspect violently resisted arrest, armed himself with a panga, and attempted to attack a forest ranger.
The ranger reportedly used reasonable force in lawful self-defence to neutralize what the service described as an imminent threat.
The service reported that any injuries sustained were the result of the suspect’s resistance.
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It reiterated that its officers are mandated to protect public forest resources on behalf of all Kenyans and are entitled to defend themselves when threatened in the course of duty.
Additionally, the Forest Service said it will not condone criminal acts being misrepresented as victimhood, nor will it allow its officers to be unfairly vilified through misinformation or incitement.
KFS noted that any investigations related to the incident fall under the mandate of the National Police Service and other relevant oversight bodies, and that it will fully cooperate throughout the process.
“Any investigations related to this incident fall within the mandate of the National Police Service and relevant oversight bodies, with whom KFS will fully cooperate. However, trial by social media undermines due process and the rule of law,” part of the statement read.
The Service reaffirmed its continued commitment to forest conservation, the safety of its officers, and the strict observance of the law and human rights in the execution of its mandate.
Also Read: KFS Bows to Pressure After Uproar Over Construction of Luxurious Ngong Forest Hotel
Social Media Allegations of Assault by Officers
Kenyans took to social media following the incident, alleging that Bernard Kiplagat Kiptarus was severely beaten by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers from Yemit Forest Station, Cheptongei Zone, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
According to the posts that circulated online, Kiptarus was rushed to Iten Referral Hospital, but his condition reportedly worsened, leading to a referral to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
The posts further claimed that it was not the first alleged assault by KFS officers on residents of Marakwet West and called for urgent action against the officers involved.
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