Residents of Sabor in Elgeyo Marakwet County woke up to a shocking incident after unknown individuals vandalized a section of the fence surrounding the Kaptagat Forest. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of the ongoing forest conservation project and renewed debate over the 273 KM fencing exercise.

Local residents condemned the destruction and distanced themselves from the act, insisting that the community had nothing to do with the vandalism. They claimed the incident appears to be politically motivated and urged authorities to carry out thorough investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The fencing of Kaptagat Forest has in recent months sparked sharp divisions among residents and stakeholders. While one group has opposed the project, arguing that it affects community interests, another has strongly backed the initiative, saying it is necessary to protect the forest from encroachment, illegal logging, and environmental degradation.

The disagreement recently played out through separate public demonstrations. A section of residents staged protests in the Kitany area to oppose the fencing project, demanding that the government halt its implementation. On the other hand, another group publicly expressed support for the exercise, maintaining that securing the forest is essential for conserving the water tower and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The latest act of vandalism is expected to intensify discussions surrounding the project, with residents calling on leaders to promote dialogue and peaceful engagement instead of actions that could undermine conservation efforts adding that politics shoul be totally seperated from the conservation efforts .