Forest gangs pursued by KFS

Police in Nanyuki have launched a manhunt for a four-man gang after it threatened to set ablaze a Kenya Forest Service Camp following seizing more than 120 cedar poles.

The gang under the police watch is living in Kanyoni village at the edge of Mt Kenya Forest where it is involved in felling down trees for sale to the saw millers in the town and beyond.

 Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli asked the residents to volunteer information pertaining to the gang, after the members and their accomplices issued verbal threats to the KFS rangers over the confiscation of the poles smuggled out of the Mt Kenya Water Catchment.

 In a security baraza, Muli who was accompanied by the local police commander John Tarus said the gang he named was also threatening the residents while terrorizing and stealing potatoes  from their farms.

“ The security team is aware that the four members committed criminal activities elsewhere only to seek refuge in the Kanyoni area,  spending  their evening in makeshift huts in the forest,” said Muli.

 Tarus said  Kanyoni village despite being at the edge of Nanyuki town and borders  the military barracks was leading in bhang smoking,  with some of the youth specializing in growing the stuff in the forest.

“The multi-agency team is concerned with the negative demonstrated by the youth in the village and thus the need for the parents to have a candid discussion with their children  for a brighter future,” said Tarus.

  The Kenya Wildlife Service team reported it had killed more than 60 dogs that were used by the residents in the game hunting expeditions.

 The team recounted how the game meat was being sold in the village, a trend that should come to an end for the interest of the national heritage.

You can get in touch with our Newdesk on

ceo@themountainjournal.co.ke

info@themountainjournal.co.ke

www.themountainjournal.co.ke