Likia: The State has ordered the closure of Likia and Logoman forests from any human activities following recent skirmishes that led to four people being killed and tens of others left nursing injuries. Rift Valley Region Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan announced the ban, stating that human movement, livestock grazing, or cutting of trees was forbidden in the forestland, and anyone found in the forest would be considered a criminal.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Hassan reported that a criminal gang armed with spears was residing in the forests and posed a threat to local residents. Speaking during his visit to Kirampa and Nessuit areas at the border of Narok and Nakuru counties, he urged communities to co-exist peacefully. He confirmed ongoing investigations to identify the perpetrators of the murders within the forestland, adding that weapons used in some killings were under investigation.
Dr. Hassan warned residents against carrying weapons, emphasizing sufficient police presence to protect life and pr
operty. He stated that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect lives and property, and underscored the need to end the recurring skirmishes in the area. He expressed that once peace is restored, the forestland would be reopened for livestock grazing and firewood collection.
The Commissioner reminded residents that no community is superior, and all have rights to forest resources. He called on those harboring stolen livestock to return them before security forces initiate a search. He cautioned that if peace is not voluntarily maintained, force would be used to ensure community safety and business continuity. Additionally, Dr. Hassan warned police officers and National Government Administration Officers against siding with any community to escalate violence, threatening them with dismissal and prosecution.
The peace meeting was attended by Narok North Women Representative Agnes Pareyio, Olokurto Member of County Assembly Joshua Kishoyian, as well as security committees from Rift Valley region,
Narok, and Nakuru counties.