Muturi Raises Questions Over Timber From Aberdares, Announces Opposition Visit

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has announced that opposition leaders will visit the Aberdare Forest next week to investigate reports of timber being transported from the area amid concerns about its possible use in affordable housing projects.

Muturi said the team intends to establish where the timber originates, who approved its harvesting and where the materials are being delivered.

Speaking through a statement on X on Saturday, October 10, the former Attorney General called for transparency over the reported activities, particularly if the timber is being supplied to government-backed housing developments.

He questioned whether the sourcing of the construction materials could be contributing to the destruction of protected forest land.

Muturi also demanded answers about the individuals and businesses benefiting from the timber trade, insisting that commercial interests should not override environmental protection.

He described the Aberdares as a vital water tower whose forests support river systems, livelihoods and Kenya’s ecological balance.

The planned visit will seek to determine whether the reported logging activities have the necessary approvals and whether any environmental laws have been breached.

However, Muturi did not identify the specific affordable housing projects allegedly using timber from the forest or name the companies involved in its supply. The claims about the timber’s source and destination had not been independently verified in the account of his announcement.

His concerns come amid renewed debate over the management of Kenya’s forests following the lifting of the logging ban.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga also raised concerns about forest conservation on Thursday, October 8, questioning the impact of logging and inadequate reforestation on critical ecosystems.

Maraga, a co-party leader of the United Green Movement, cited the Aberdares and Mau Forest Complex as areas facing environmental pressure.

He further questioned whether the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees would achieve its intended goals without stronger measures to protect existing forests.

Muturi said the opposition’s planned visit would help clarify the situation and establish accountability if unlawful activities are discovered.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/muturi-links-affordable-housing-timber-to-aberdare-forest-concerns

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