The Kisii county government has issued a warning to people living around Nyangweta Forest in South Mugirango against cutting trees.
Speaking on Sunday at Kisii Cathedral during a church service, County Executive in charge of environment and natural resources Marcela Otuke said the region risked losing the largest forest in the area due to illegal cutting of trees.
“We have received information of some people cutting down trees in Nyangweta and we are not pleased with it. The forest is a water catchment area for our county and such kind of activities will not be tolerated,” she said.
She called for immediate apprehension and prosecution of those spearheading the illegal activity in aim of saving Kisii’s largest water reservoir.
“I appeal to security officers to arrest timber merchants that are behind that uncouth process and arraign them in court. That business has to come to an end. Forests are important for humanity and without them, we may not survive,” she added.
Otuke asked area residents to avoid cultivating in the surround areas of the forest since the land belongs to the government of Kenya.
“We are also aware of some cultivations going on in the surrounds of Nyangweta. I humbly asked those farmers to find alternatives land for cultivation before we evict them,” she said.
She said the county government will be touring the forest on Wednesday to assess the damage and come up with disciplinary measures for those embroiled in the saga.