This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Published on June 24, 2020, a report by Weekly Citizen exposed allegations of corruption and destruction of mangrove forests in Kwale county. Forester Maghanga is at the center of the controversy, accused by residents of colluding with charcoal dealers to destroy the forests.
According to residents, led by Suleiman Abdalla, Maghanga had formed cartels to monitor and protect his illegal charcoal business activities in Msambweni and Lunga-Lunga villages. The official is also accused of arresting residents on trumped-up charges and engaging in altercations with the late area MP, Suleiman Dori.
One resident recalled an incident where Maghanga allegedly demanded Sh500,000 from Dori to allow a community project to proceed in Gazi area. Dori declined to pay the money, citing that he could not bribe his way to get the project approved.
Maghanga's relationship with the community has deteriorated further, with residents claiming he once allowed people to cut mangrove trees but arrested them when they failed to pay the agreed amount. The official was also recorded making a statement that has raised eyebrows: 'Ikiwa mkubwa wangu anakula, kwanini nisile?' (if my boss eats, why should I not eat).
The residents have called for Maghanga's immediate removal from the area, citing that he has outlived his usefulness in protecting forests in the county.
