A tragic incident occurred in Maji Mazuri Forest, Baringo County, resulting in the death of a 19-year-old student who intervened to protect his mother from Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers.
Stephen Mwangi, a form three student, tragically succumbed to head and rib injuries while receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on Monday evening.
According to his father, John Ambuka, Mwangi’s mother was arrested by KFS officers for collecting firewood in the forest.
Allegedly, the officers demanded a bribe of Ksh 2,000 for her release, but the family only had Ksh 500.
Ambuka instructed his son to bring the remaining balance to Maji Mazuri Forest Station, where his mother was being held. Upon arrival, Mwangi reportedly witnessed the officers mistreating his mother, leading to a confrontation.
In the ensuing altercation, five KFS officers allegedly assaulted Mwangi with kicks and blows, while Ambuka narrowly escaped a hail of bullets aimed at him.
Mwangi was initially taken to Eldama Ravine Hospital while his mother was taken to the police station but was subsequently released.
Unfortunately, Mwangi’s condition worsened, and he was transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening.
In response to the incident, enraged residents of Maji Mazuri blocked the Maji Mazuri-Ravine Road on Tuesday morning, prompting police action.
Mogotio Sub County Police Commander Felician Nafula, speaking on behalf of the area police, announced that the five KFS officers involved in the assault had been arrested, and the matter is now under investigation.
