By L, KNA
Thousands of Ngari residents in Maralal held a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, demanding the removal of their Community Forest Association (CFA) Chairperson, Mr Backlas Leboyare, over alleged poor leadership.
The protesters marched to the Samburu County Commissioner’s office, accusing the chairperson of running the association as a personal entity instead of serving the interests of the wider community living around the Kirisia Forest.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, the protest leader, Mr Joseph Lesaatin, said the association belongs to the community and should not be used for individual gain.
Addressing the residents, Samburu County Commissioner Mr John Cheruiyot urged them to protect the forest and avoid politicising conservation matters. He assured that the government remains committed to safeguarding forests across the county.
“The government will ensure all forests are protected, and anyone found cutting down trees illegally will face the law,” warned Cheroiyot.
He encouraged residents to unite for the success of the Kirisia Forest conservation program and to work closely with CFA leaders for the benefit of the community.
Cheruiyot announced that the government plans to plant 15 million trees within Kirisia Forest and other areas across Samburu County to restore degraded lands and combat climate change.
He urged residents to shift from forest destruction to protection, emphasising that conserving forests secures a better future for their children.