Samburu residents during a peaceful demonstration. [Photo/The Star]
Residents of Samburu central have staged a demonstration over the ongoing destruction of Lpartuk forest.
The residents mostly drawn from Lpartuk group ranch said they will not allow anyone to settle in the forest that is their only source of water.
Led by Lpartuk assistant chief, Simon Lekolol, the locals claimed charcoal burners and illegal settlers had pitched camp inside the forest. Lekolol said that it is against the law for anyone to settle in the forest, adding that the law will have to take its course.
The assistant chief added that as a local leader he will not allow the destruction of the forest by few selfish people.
One of the demonstrators Stin Lepere said they will not hesitate to evict anyone who is out to destroy the only forest that residents graze their livestock during dry seasons adding that the forest is a natural resource that should not be destroyed.