Officers seize Sh1.5m cedar poles

By Robert Kiplagat

Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials in Baringo County have seized cedar poles worth Sh1.5 million.

The poles suspected to be from Mochongoi forest were being ferried in a lorry.

The lorry, which was heading to Marigat area, was involved in an accident and the public tipped KFS officers on noticing the cargo.

The driver of the lorry, however, drove off leaving behind the posts.

Baringo zonal forest manager Daniel Too said the lorry driver was among a cartel harvesting the trees illegally. The driver is believed to be working in collaboration with loggers.

Mr Too said the lorry had used a diversion in attempts to evade police when the vehicle was involved in an accident.

“We received information from residents that there was a lorry that was involved in an accident and was loaded with 1,500 cedar poles suspected to be from Mochongoi forest,” said Too.

The officer said they have contacted police to help them track the lorry and the driver.

Prompt action

The forest officer accused some residents of abetting the illegal business, saying KFS will take stern action against any illegal logger.

“According to the Forest Act, cedar harvesting is illegal. Anybody found harvesting the trees from Government forests would face the full force of law,” said Too.

The officer said the market for cedar tree is lucrative, which is suspected to be the driving force behind the illegal trade.

Too urged the public to be vigilant and report any persons they suspect are engaging in logging.

“They should report to the nearest forest offices or police stations for prompt action to be taken,” he said.

Forest officials have strived to protect cedar trees from loggers by beefing up patrols inside forests like Aberdares.

The cedar tree is an endangered species protected through a presidential directive in 2007.