Deputy President William Ruto announced government’s temporary ban on logging in public forests On Saturday, February 24, in a move aimed at curbing destruction of the environment and natural resources.
But this directive has evoked myriad reactions from Kenyans and one senior citizen who has displayed his concern is former Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga.
Early Saturday DP Ruto directed the Ministry of Environment, environmental agencies and the relevant county departments to ensure the 90-day ban is enforced.
Further, the DP called on the Environment and Forestry CS Keriako Tobiko to constitute a task force and prepare a report within 14 days on the forest sector, and propose appropriate measures to counter the destruction of the environment and natural resources.
In a tweet, the DP said: ” In face of an unprecedented water crisis, the government has imposed a 90-day ban on timber harvesting in public and community forests.”
He noted that deforestation, degradation, encroachment on water towers, logging are undermining efforts to attain food security.
“We are pursuing a lasting solution,” DP Ruto said.Dr Willy Mutunga responded to DP Ruto’s tweet saying; “Let us start with the MAU FOREST WATER TOWER if we are serious.”
This response highlighted doubts over DP Ruto’s commitment to his word over alleged tolerance he has granted agents of destruction on the country’s forest cover.