Illegally logged Sh150m sandalwood destroyed after court cases end

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi (fourth right), top county security officials and KFS and KWS officers during the destruction of seized sandalwood at Kabarnet police station, yesterday. [PHOTO: JOSEPH KIPSANG/STANDARD]

Officials destroyed illegally logged sandalwood worth Sh150 million yesterday.

Several tonnes of the endangered tree species was burned in a ceremony spearheaded by senior Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials, and the county’s top security team.

Logs that had been impounded since 2010 were destroyed at Kabarnet Police Station where they had been preserved. The cases concerning the logs had been concluded.

Six days ago, a similar consignment worth Sh20 million was impounded in Nakuru while being transported using a lorry belonging to Administration Police. Three police officers were among six suspects arrested.

Another consignment is still being held at the police station as the cases are still pending in court.

Sandalwood, mostly found within community land, is a close-grained fragrant yellowish heartwood with insect repelling properties. It is also used for carvings.

Baringo County KFS Ecosystem Conservator Antony Musyoka said a gramme of sandalwood costs Sh250.

According to experts, the tree is used as raw material in the production of perfumes and lotions and is usually trafficked through porous borders to neighbouring countries.

Mr Musyoka urged stakeholders to work together to check the illegal trade and put those involved on notice.

“We are dealing with a serious concern that involves sophisticated smugglers who keep changing tactics. Our environment remains at stake. We have intercepted tonnes of sandalwood being smuggled outside the country. We shall continue the fight,” he said.

KWS County Warden Kenneth ole Nashuu said dealers sneaked the commodity through the porous Malaba border before heading to Tororo, Uganda.

“The fight will be sustained and those behind it will be exposed regardless of their positions in society and punished,” said Mr Nashuu.

Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo said the main culprits have never been arrested. He said accomplices of the recent smugglers are being pursued by security agencies.

destroy evidence

He claimed the main culprits were hiding in Nakuru and warned drivers assigned to Government vehicles.

“Intelligence reports in our possession reveal that Government vehicles and those belonging to parastatals are being used to transport illicit brew, charcoal and other banned items. Proper mechanisms have been put in place and those involved will be fished out soon,” said the commissioner.

Governor Benjamin Cheboi said he did not understand how the commodity finds its way to the neighbouring country.

“How could it find its way to Uganda while police officers and those from the counties man our roads around the clock without making any arrest?” he posed.

Kabarnet Principal Magistrate Samson Temo said it was unfortunate that police were arresting hired drivers while the real culprits went free.

Harvesting of sandalwood is illegal in the country because it is among the most endangered plant species.