Man Jailed for Illegal Logging in Kakamega Forest

By Sharon Ambani

In a landmark case highlighting the pressing issue of environmental and biodiversity conservation, Jacton Murwa, a middle-aged man from Kakamega County, has been sentenced to four years in prison for multiple offenses related to illegal logging in Kakamega Forest. 

The arrest, carried out by Kenya Forest Services officers on February 28, 2024, led to a swift legal proceeding in Kakamega Law Courts under the jurisdiction of Principal Magistrate Hon. James Masiga.

Principal Magistrate Masiga, while delivering the verdict, underscored the importance of forest conservation, highlighting the need to protect these vital ecosystems.

"I have considered the accused's mitigation and the prosecutor's submissions. Our forests need to be conserved. I sentence the accused to one year imprisonment for each offense," stated Principal Magistrate Masiga.

The verdict sends a clear message about the severity of environmental crimes and the commitment of the judiciary to enact laws that safeguard natural resources.

Murwa faced four serious charges, as presented by prosecutor Moraa Andati on February 29, 2024. Firstly, he was arrested for logging and possessing 14 different species of indigenous trees that he cut down from the Kakamega Forest. This is a direct violation of Section 64(1)(a) as read with Section 64(2) and Section 68(1) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act No. 34 of 2016.

Additionally, Murwa was found in possession of logging equipment, including a panga, spade, and jembe, all of which were submitted as exhibits during the court proceedings.

The prosecution further said that the offender was found burning charcoal near the crime scene as well as entering the closed public forest without the requisite authority from the Kenya Forest Services. The prosecution stated that the cumulative damages caused by Murwa's actions were estimated at Ksh. 80,196.

Notably, this wasn't Murwa's first encounter with the law concerning environmental crimes. In 2022, he had been arrested and convicted for similar illegal logging activities. He served a four-month non custodial sentence of community service. The prosecution emphasized this history, seeking a harsh sentence to put an end to Murwa's repeated offenses.

During the trial, Murwa pleaded guilty, admitting to his destructive actions. He, however, prayed for the court's leniency, citing a lack of alternative income sources that led him to engage in logging. He also claimed to be a total orphan who did not have anyone to take care of his family while he was in jail.

His jail sentence will start from February 29, 2024, with the four years running concurrently.

The continuity of Murwa's heinous actions by others, without any legal repercussions, could lead to the loss of biodiversity due to deforestation, as well as other harmful impacts on the ecosystem. This emphasizes the pressing necessity for collaboration among all stakeholders in the field of environmental conservation, in order to protect the natural resources that are vital for the well-being of humanity.