Murang’a: A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to six months in prison or an alternative fine of Sh40,000 after pleading guilty to stealing logs from Kakuzi Forest in Murang’a County. Peter Ndung’u appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Dr. Sheila Nyaga at the Kenol Law Courts following his arrest on May 22, 2026.
According to Kenya News Agency, prosecution witness Joseph Kirii informed the court that he observed the accused transporting logs, suspected to have been illegally cut from Kakuzi Forest, to his residence on two occasions. This activity aroused suspicion, leading Kirii to notify other village elders. They collectively visited Ndung’u’s home, where they allegedly found him cutting the logs into smaller pieces for firewood.
The incident was subsequently reported to Kakuzi PLC, which sent a representative to confirm the allegations before reporting the case to Kenol Police Station. Police officers later visited Ndung’u’s home and documented the logs by taking six photographs, which were presented as evidence in court.
Ndung’u pled guilty and, in his plea for leniency, explained to the court that he intended to sell the firewood to support his family financially. The court was informed that Ndung’u was a first-time offender with no prior criminal record, which led to his conviction based on his admission of guilt.
Senior Resident Magistrate Dr. Sheila Nyaga sentenced Ndung’u to six months’ imprisonment or, alternatively, a fine of Sh40,000, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense despite his mitigating circumstances.
