There has been uproar after claims surfaced that President William Ruto directed the construction of a State Lodge and golf course inside Meru’s Imenti Forest.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM), in a letter dated 18 September 2025 to Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, demanded urgent clarification on the alleged plan.
The group warns that the proposal has stirred public uproar across social media and within communities that depend on the gazetted forest for their livelihoods.
In their statement, GBM asked Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi to confirm whether any approvals or legal processes have been initiated to exercise part of the gazetted forest.
“The Green Belt Movement writes to you seeking urgent clarification on the alleged plan to excise part of Imenti Forest in Meru County to construct a State Lodge and a golf course,” read part of the GBM statement.
They argued that Imenti Forest is constitutionally protected and that any move to alter its boundaries must undergo full public participation and rigorous environmental assessment.
Previously, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, DG Linda Gitonga, North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, and Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi toured Imenti forest, the proposed sites for a State Lodge and golf course.
A statement from The Standard Media revealed that President William Ruto issued a directive for land to be set aside for the construction of a State Lodge when he met Meru leaders recently.
Green Belt Movement (GBM) Demands Clarity
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) says Kenyans deserve transparent answers about any government-backed plan that could shrink a vital public forest.
In the letter, Advocacy Manager Job Wanjohi Mwangi reminded the ministry that Imenti Forest is protected under the Forest Conservation and Management Act and cannot be converted to other uses without due process.
“Any proposal to convert a gazetted public forest into luxury developments undermines public trust,” the organisation warned.
The group has given the ministry seven days to respond in writing, citing Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to access information.
Questions Over Legal Process
Green Belt raised five-pointed questions, including whether the Ministry or the Kenya Forest Service has approved or initiated any excision process, and what legal framework or public participation steps have taken place so far.
Also Read: Green Belt Movement Responds to Govt’s Forceful Takeover of Karura Forest
It also asked whether alternative public land in Meru County is being considered and what criteria would guide such a choice.
“Has the Kenya Forest Service approved or initiated any process to excise land from Imenti Forest for the construction of a State Lodge or golf course?” the statement asked.
The organisation emphasised that any decision to cut forest land for luxury projects would have to withstand public scrutiny and legal tests.
Deforestation Concerns Heighten Tension
Kenya loses an estimated 84,716 hectares of forest each year, while a further 14,934 hectares degrade through human activity, according to the Forest Status Report 2024.
Conservationists feared that carving out a section of Imenti Forest would worsen these figures and undermine the government’s pledge to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
Also Read: KFS Boss Sets Record Straight on Karura Forest & Takeover
“Given the alarming findings of the Forest Status Report 2024, how does the Ministry justify any move to convert gazetted forest land?” GBM questioned in its letter.
The Imenti Forest serves as a critical water catchment area and provides livelihoods for local communities through activities such as eco-tourism and honey harvesting.
As of now, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has not issued a public statement addressing the claims.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) says it remains ready to work with government agencies to protect Kenya’s natural heritage but insists it “cannot remain silent in the face of actions that may lead to the plunder of our last remaining public forests.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
