Blow To William Ruto As Environment Court Stops Order To Lift Ban On Logging

• Raila Odinga said it was ironic for Kenya to host the Africa Climate Summit when the president lifted the ban on logging in public forests
• Justice Oscar Angote sitting in Nairobi also barred the State from granting such licences and permits to fell trees
• The court further directed that the Application and Orders granted be served upon the parties, for a hearing on August 14, 2023

Nairobi - President William Ruto has suffered a setback after a court sitting in Nairobi stopped the implementation of his order to lift the ban on logging.

On Wednesday, August 2, the Environment Court also barred the State from granting permits to cut trees.

“Orders are granted staying the government directive on the revocation of the Gazette Notices previously issued for de-gazettement of Forest areas/designating areas as Forests and the and re-introduction of the Shamba System," reads the order.

Citizen Digital reported that Justice Oscar Angote also barred the State from granting such licences and permits to fell trees.

Court sets the case hearing date

The court further directed that the Application and Orders granted be served upon the parties for a hearing on August 14, 2023.

In the case, the Law Society of Kenya moved to court to challenge the decision by the president to lift the said ban on logging of forests.

They argue that directives issued have neither provided the scientific reasons, research, policy directives, or specific environmental assessment impact, nor public participation done in the areas likely to be affected by the removal of the ban on logging activities by the State.

“The government has indicated its push and commitment targeting to plant 15 billion trees over the next seven years to restore 10.6 million hectares (26.2 million acres) of degraded land and enlarge forest cover to 30%. This is after the region was hit by its worst drought in four decades last year. Previously, the head of state has been involved in tree planting campaigns, that now seem mere political rhetoric as with the recent pronouncements on the logging,” reads court papers.

Kenya to host the Africa Climate Summit

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that in September 2023, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) will be the prestigious host venue for the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023.

The inaugural event championed by Ruto aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs globally, particularly in Africa.

Raila Odinga shreds William Ruto

But according to Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga, it is ironic for Kenya to host the event when the president lifted the ban on logging in public forests.

"Even on matters in which we were absolutely clear and we were seen to be providing leadership, we are beginning to fumble and send mixed signals. Take the case of Climate Change. Kenya has been a clear leader here; investing in clean green growth and raising forest cover," Raila said.

Addressing the International Press Association of East Africa (IPAEA) in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 25, Raila wondered why the country is busy clearing its forests while at the same time hosting climate change negotiations and accusing the international community of failing to provide funds to mitigate Climate Change.