KWS absolves rangers from kidnapping accusations in Isiolo County

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has absolved its rangers from alleged involvement in kidnapping and killing of residents of Isiolo County. 

KWS acting Director William Kiprono while appearing before the senate joint committee on the National security and Lands denied any arrests of locals on suspicion of being poachers by the rangers. 

“KWS has not arrested anyone as a suspect in wildlife crimes nor detained any suspect without charging them in court as provided by law,” he stated.

He continued, “It is not true that KWS rangers have been involved in killing or kidnapping any Kenyan and in situation where they come in contact with rangers, those who are killed they are recorded with the police.

The committees led by Garissa senator Yusuf Haji (Security) and Embu senator Lenny Kivuti (Lands) heard from Kiprono that contrary to claims of arbitrary arrests by locals, all arrest are recorded by the Police.

“As a state agency responsible for all wildlife in the country, we are bound by the provisions of the constitution and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013 in managing and conserving wildlife. We therefore act in accordance with the law,” he stressed.

In May, the residents of Kina, Isiolo County held demonstrations claiming that Mohammed Abdullahi, 32, was abducted on the Meru-Isiolo road while in the company of relatives by the rangers.

In the same month, the residents held yet another protest against alleged extra-judicial killings by the rangers and set a section of the Meru National Park’s fence on fire, which forced the rangers to engage them using live bullets, killing one person and seriously injuring 14 others.

“Very serious allegations have been made about KWS and we want to hear from you (Kiprono) over alleged killings and kidnappings by the rangers. What is going on at KWS. Why are there many questions? “Deputy Speaker Senator Kembi Gitura (Muranga) demanded to know.

Senator Boy Juma Boy (Kwale) sought to know, “Do we have an investigating arm. How many cases have been probed and concluded?”

Kiprono admitted that his officers were forced to use live bullets to defend themselves after residents barricaded all the escape routes during demonstrations.

“It is true our officers used firearms to defend themselves. However, we have never received complaints of disappearances of locals,” said Kiprono.

Nominated Senator Fatuma Dullo tasked Kiprono to explain why Isiolo residents and KWS have a sour relationship.

“Why are residents arrested by rangers in Isiolo taken to Meru to be prosecuted.” stated Dullo.

Kiprono replied, “ Its unfortunate that the bad relationship has reached this far. We would like to have peaceful relationship with all Kenyans. No one has been given autonomy to break the law,” said Kiprono.

He posed: “Poaching has become a problem and its sophisticated. We are dealing with it, however criminals are funded.  Extra judicial killing has never happened.”

Senator Isack Melly (Uasin Gishu) called on KWS to work hard to ensure that it restore confidence among the members of the public.

He promised that the committee will ensure justice prevails and all those affected are compensated.