By Kevin Tunoi

Tension is high in Chebiemit in Elgeyo Marakwet County after forest rangers shot a middle-aged man to death inside the forest where he had gone to collect firewood.

Patrick Kibet succumbed to injuries in the 7am incident.

His son Evans Kiptoo, who had accompanied him, escaped without injuries after he hid in a thicket in the expansive Kapchemutwo Forest.

Keiyo OCPD Joseph Ireri confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

However, the Zonal Forestry Manager Keiyo Dennis Kerengo defended his officers, saying that they acted in self-defence.

Self defence

The manager stated that after the officers nabbed Kibet, he hacked one of the officers in the arm with a machete, prompting the shooting.

“It is unfortunate that a life has been lost but then again the confrontation that was threatening the lives of the officers warranted the move in self defence,” he said.

Kerengo noted that his officers are well trained but if circumstances pose danger they too react.

Mr Kerengo added that the rangers have recorded statements with the police, while the injured officer was taken to hospital.

Kibet is said to have ventured into the forest to fetch firewood when he was attacked and fatally wounded.

“My father and I were just collecting dead wood and I noticed the rangers who opened fire indiscriminately killing my father,” said Kiptoo.

He added that had he not fled he too would have been killed since it seemed the rangers’ intention was to kill.

Kiptoo claimed that after the fatal attack, the rangers said they had killed a person whom they had been targeting. Five spent cartridges, 10 live bullets and a destroyed magazine were found at the scene after Kibet’s wife raised the alarm.

Leaders demand action

Keiyo North MP Lucas Chepkitony politicians Abraham Talel and Francis Mutwol condemned the killing.

“This is a clear case of extra judicial killing by a trained person from the disciplined forces against a man who was just collecting firewood,” said Chepkitony.

He added that it was unfortunate for an officer to shoot and kill in cold blood.

The MP called on the Government to immediately arrest and prosecute the accused ranger.

Mutwol called on the Government to ensure its officers serve to protect the lives and property of citizens.