Bishop Alfred Rotich. [File, Standard]
The Catholic Diocese of Kericho has called on the government to urgently intervene to stop the alleged destruction of the Londiani Forest Block and address rising tensions over land at the Samburet Tea Estate.
Bishop Alfred Rotich warned that continued destruction of the forest and the conflict at Samburet could threaten the environment, livelihoods and peaceful coexistence among communities living in the area.
In an open letter to President William Ruto dated August 4th, 2026, Rotich said the Londiani forest block, particularly the Samburet area and its environs, was facing what he described as unprecedented destruction driven by human exploitation and political interests.
“What was created to be a source of life, clean air and water for humanity, animals and plants is being sacrificed at the altar of short-term human greed and reckless exploitation,” Rotich said.
He asked the government to intervene decisively to protect the forest and prevent further encroachment, logging and degradation of the ecosystem.
“The government must intervene decisively to stop further destruction of the Londiani Forest Block and protect Samburet and its surrounding ecosystem,” he said.
The bishop said the destruction of the forest should not be treated merely as an environmental issue, warning that its consequences would be felt by communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on the ecosystem.