DIRECTOR AND ZONAL FOREST OFFICER RELEASED ON A 70,000/- CASH BAIL.

DIRECTOR AND ZONAL FOREST OFFICER RELEASED ON A 70,000/- CASH BAIL.

JANE MUGAMBI 7TH OCT 2011.

Kenya Forest service director David Mbugua together with his Kirinyaga Zonal Forest Officer Francis Misonge were released on a 70,000/- cash bail each by a Kianyaga Court.

The two pleaded not guilty to three charges that on 21st Sept 2011 at castle forest within Kirinyaga County, they were found harvesting pine trees without an Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A)report contrary to the Environmental Act.

THE second count read that the two failed to comply with a legal order of stopping felling of trees in Kamweti and Castle forest.

The third count which fell to the Zonal forest manager was that he blocked the NEMA officers Samuel Kivuti from getting out of the forest where they had gone to do an EIA.

According to their lawyer Joe Kathungu, made an application to have his clients be supplied with statement and copies so as to proceed.

Mr. Kathungu apologized for the director who did not appear in court yesterday saying that it was as a result of communication breakdown adding it was not his intention.

“I apologize on behalf of the director, it was due to communication breakdown in his office he did not fail to be in court as required yesterday intentionally” added Kathungu.

Senior resident magistrate Thomas Mwangi said that the copies, statement will be supplied to the defense so that they can be conversant with the charges.

Mr. Mwangi also said that he will make his rule on their on defense saying that since they pleaded not guilty to the offences, their will both be released on a 100,000/- bond of one surety or 70,000/- cash bail or they be remanded in custody.

They were both bailed out by the Timber Manufacturers members who had come to Kianyaga court to show their solidarity.

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