Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised a red flag over the extensive logging taking place in Shamata Forest, Nyandarua County, where trucks have reportedly been seen transporting freshly felled trees.

He has called for immediate answers on who sanctioned the operation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 14, 2025, the senator voiced his strong disapproval of the large-scale tree cutting, expressing alarm over its impact on the environment.

Omtatah emphasized that regardless of whether the activity is labelled legal or illegal, any form of deforestation that harms ecosystems, drains water resources, and puts biodiversity at risk cannot be excused.

“The reports emerging from Shamata Forest are alarming,” he said. “Logging regardless of how it is classified that damages ecosystem, dries up vital water sources, and threatens wildlife must be condemned.”

He further demanded full transparency regarding the authorization of the logging and insisted that those responsible be held to account.

The senator also questioned the justification for the logging, cautioning that short-term economic interests should not be prioritized over the well-being of future generations.

He called for all tree harvesting activities to be critically assessed within the broader context of climate change, environmental equity, and long-term sustainability.

“We need to urgently ask: Who gave the green light? Who stands to gain? And what price will our children pay?” Omtatah posed.

Quoting Article 42 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, he reminded citizens that the right to a clean and healthy environment is fundamental a right that includes safeguarding the country’s natural forests.

He argued that the ongoing deforestation in Shamata Forest violates this constitutional entitlement and directly contradicts the country's broader environmental objectives.

“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.”

To help tackle the issue, Senator Omtatah announced that he intends to engage Nyandarua Senator John Methu in talks aimed at developing a joint approach to halt the ongoing destruction in Shamata Forest.

He reaffirmed his dedication to environmental protection, insisting that he would not remain silent while the natural heritage meant for future generations is being carted away.

“I plan to reach out to my colleague Senator @MethuMuhia so we can jointly address the crisis and work together to safeguard Shamata and the Aberdares,” he stated. “We cannot stand by as the future of our children is cut down and hauled off, truck by truck.”