The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has refuted misleading and inaccurate allegations circulating on social media claiming that its officers unlawfully assaulted Bernard Kiplagat Tarus, alias “Kishoto,” at Yemit and Cheptongei Forest Stations on December 23, 2025.

In a statement, KFS said the allegations are misleading and omit critical facts concerning a lawfully documented incident that occurred on December 22, 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.

KFS said during a routine forest protection patrol, officers encountered an adult male actively engaged in the illegal felling of indigenous trees inside a gazetted State forest with the intent of producing charcoal, an offence under Section 64 of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.

“When officers attempted to effect a lawful arrest, the suspect violently resisted, armed himself with a panga, and attempted to attack a Forest Ranger. The ranger responded using reasonable force in lawful self-defense to neutralize the imminent threat. Any injuries sustained were a direct consequence of the suspect’s violent resistance,” KFS said.

Contrary to claims circulating online, KFS said the suspect was neither assaulted nor abandoned.

KFS stated that the officers immediately rendered assistance and facilitated his evacuation to Iten Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention.

“Illegal tools recovered at the scene and preserved as evidence include one panga, one axe, and one saw. The suspect later identified himself as Bernard Kiplagat,” the Service said.

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What the Law Says

KFS explained that assaulting or resisting a public officer in the lawful execution of duty constitutes a criminal offence under Section 63 of the Penal Code.

The Service said Forest Rangers are recognized in law as public officers and are empowered to conduct lawful arrests within gazetted forest areas.

Further, it said the law does not permit violent resistance to arrest, and injuries arising from such resistance are attributable to the offender’s own unlawful conduct.

KFS said 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.

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KFS Warns Public

The 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.

“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,” KFS said.

KFS said it remains committed to forest conservation, the safety of its officers, and the strict observance of the law and human rights in the execution of its mandate.

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KFS statement regarding the claims on social media. PHOTO/KFS.