This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On Friday afternoon, a Kenya Forest Service (KFS) ranger, Victor Mwendwa, was ambushed by a group of about 50 persons armed with crude weapons in the Maasai Mau Forest. The attack occurred while Mwendwa's patrol team was on duty, and he sustained an arrow injury in his left thigh.
The confrontation lasted for about half an hour, after which the attackers retreated into the thick forest, leaving Mwendwa with a lodged arrow at his thigh. The KFS has since taken further action on the matter.
According to the KFS, the Maasai Mau Forest Restoration Operation is being undertaken in a human rights-based approach, with the goal of restoring the depleted forest. The operation is a collaborative effort between the KFS and other government law enforcement agencies, as well as partners.
Speaking to the newsroom, the KFS expressed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its rangers, stating, 'KFS salutes the injured Ranger and stands with all its Rangers across the country - they are our conservation heroes.'
On Monday, a middle-aged man suspected of shooting Mwendwa with an arrow was charged before a Narok court. Joel Kipyego, alias Chuck Norri, denied causing grievous bodily harm to Mwendwa on October 4, 2019, at Kipchoge area in Narok South. The case will be heard on November 1 this year.
