Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah has strongly condemned the ongoing destruction of Shamata Forest in Nyandarua County, where numerous trucks have been spotted ferrying freshly cut trees, raising serious concerns about the person who issued this order.

In a statement shared on Saturday, June 14, 2025, the senator expressed deep disappointment over the rampant logging activities taking place in the forest. Omtatah pointed out that whether classified as legal or illegal, any form of logging that destroys ecosystems, depletes water sources, and threatens biodiversity cannot be justified.

“The reports of widespread tree harvesting in Shamata Forest are deeply troubling. Whether termed legal or illegal, logging that destroys ecosystems, dries up water sources, and endangers biodiversity is unacceptable,” Omtatah said.

He questioned who authorised the harvesting in Shamata Forest and demanded accountability from those behind the activity. The senator also challenged the reasoning behind the logging, warning that short-term gains should not come at the expense of future generations.

He emphasised the need to evaluate all logging activities through the lens of climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable development. 

“We must urgently ask: Who authorised this? Who benefits? And at what cost to future generations?” he added.

Referencing Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Omtatah reminded the public that every Kenyan has the right to a clean and healthy environment, which includes the protection of natural forests.

He argued that the current destruction taking place in Shamata Forest goes against this constitutional right and undermines national environmental goals. 

“Even so-called ‘legal logging’ must be reviewed under the lens of climate change, ecological justice, and intergenerational equity. The Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 42, guarantees every person the right to a clean and healthy environment, and that includes thriving forests.” 

Meeting with Methu

To address the matter, Senator Omtatah revealed plans to consult with Nyandarua Senator John Methu.

He said the discussions will seek to create a collaborative strategy to safeguard Shamata Forest from further damage. He reiterated his commitment to defending the environment, stating that he cannot sit back as the future of generations to come is loaded onto trucks and driven away.

“I will be reaching out to my colleague Senator @MethuMuhia to discuss the situation and forge a united path forward to protect Shamata and the Aberdares. We cannot watch in silence as our children’s future is felled, truck by truck,” he concluded. By Mabonga Makhanu, People Daily