Barut residents reveal shocking details of alleged harassment by KWS officers

Hearing the horrific accounts from the victims and some of the residents in Barut after the Saturday incident has raised questions on the mandate of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.

Mtaa Wangu has learnt that four KWS officers allegedly descended on the residents of Barut on May 25, 2024, and shot four boys, three of whom are below 18 years of age.

The four are recuperating at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital (PGH).

Lucy Juma, a resident of Barut says she was with her children relaxing in her house when she heard a scuffle outside.

“When I went outside to check, I saw women, children and men being beaten and harassed by people in KWS uniform. On inquiring what was going on, the officers started to fire in my direction and I immediately ducked for cover,” she recalls.

Lucy says that in the process of taking cover, one of the boys who shielded her got shot on his arm.

Alvine Williams, one of the boys who were shot on Saturday, says he had decided to relax and take a stroll by the water that had spilled over to their houses from Lake Nakuru.

“On my way home, I was in the company of others, when the KWS officers who had blocked the path in front of us started firing at us. That is when one bullet hit me on my backside,” he says.

This script reads the same for many of the residents, a tranquil weekend turned into a traumatic event for them.

According to Samson Ndirangu, a resident, instances like this have been a regular occurrence within their area.

“Many of the youth in this area are usually harassed by KWS officers. They (KWS officers) often leave their jurisdiction and come over to the residential areas only to beat us up. Sasa wanatupigia nini na tuko kwetu,” he laments.

While addressing the media in Barut on Sunday, the area Member of Parliament Mr. Samuel Arama condemned the incident, saying the officers were out of order.

“If there are trespassers in the park, and they escape to residential areas, KWS should report to the nearest police station as it is not their place to act outside the Park,” Mr Arama notes.

Mtaa Wangu reached out to Assistant Director of Lake Nakuru National Park Titus Mitau seeking clarity on the allegations.

“The matter is under active investigation. Once the investigations are completed, we will be able to determine what really transpired,” he notes.