The Environment and Land Court in Ol Kalou has stopped logging at Aberdare Forest until further notice. The orders were issued as the court hears a case that has stirred anger across Nyandarua County over the loss of trees in one of the country's most important water towers.
The court has also directed that all parties visit Geta Forest with the judge on Friday, October 23, 2026. Justice Joseph Mugo Kamau is expected to lead the visit, which will give him a firsthand look at the damage residents have been complaining about. The orders apply to everyone, whether they hold licences to cut trees or not, so no one should continue felling in the area until the court says otherwise.
The case was filed by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia together with Elijah Gachuki, a voter from Kipipiri. Wanjiku was represented by lawyer Kiragu Wathuta, while Kalonzo Musyoka, who is an interested party in the matter, was represented by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru. When it was her turn to speak, Wanjiku took the court through how the Aberdare water tower has been badly affected by logging, especially at Geta Forest Block in Kipipiri. Both lawyers said they were hopeful that the court would make a ruling that protects the wider public.
The matter has been brewing for some time. Last week, residents and local leaders said tens of lorries had been driving into the forest every day to carry away logs. Many people worried that this could damage the environment and put at risk a water catchment area that supplies many homes and farms downstream. Their fears grew louder as the trucks kept coming.
Forest authorities and sawmillers, however, have defended the work. They argue that cutting down mature and over-mature plantation trees is legal and is part of normal plantation management. For now, though, the court has made its position clear. The Nyandarua County police commander and the County Conservator of Forests have been told to make sure the order is obeyed on the ground.
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