Gachagua Allies Secure Major Court Win

Political leaders allied with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have secured a significant court victory after the Environment and Land Court issued orders stopping ongoing logging activities in the Aberdare Forest ecosystem in Nyandarua County.

The petition was filed by Kipipiri Member of Parliament Wanjiku Muhia alongside local resident Elijah Gachuki, who challenged extensive tree felling in the forest, raising concerns about environmental destruction and threats to critical water catchment areas.

Presiding over the case at the Environment and Land Court in Nyandarua, Justice Mugo Kamau issued conservatory orders prohibiting tree cutting and transportation of timber from the affected sections of the Aberdare Forest.

The directive applies to all logging operations, including activities conducted by licensed sawmillers, effectively suspending tree harvesting within the affected forest areas until the court determines the environmental protection petition.

To enforce the orders, Justice Kamau directed the Nyandarua County Police Commander and the regional Conservator of Forests to ensure compliance and prevent illegal harvesting or transportation of timber from the protected ecosystem.

The court intervention was welcomed by community leaders and politicians allied to Gachagua, who had raised concerns over continued destruction of the Aberdare Forest and the potential consequences for communities depending on its water resources.

Before issuing the extended conservatory orders, Justice Kamau reportedly conducted a physical inspection of the affected forest sections alongside the petitioners and environmental experts to assess the extent of the reported logging activities.

Commercial sawmillers operating within the Central Highlands Conservancy had previously maintained that their activities involved lawful plantation management. However, the court issued temporary restrictions as it considers the evidence presented in the environmental dispute.