Kenya Forest Service clears air on felling of Wangari Maathai tribute tree
By Steve Ireri, July 15, 2025The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a statement refuting claims circulating online that the Wangari Maathai memorial tree was felled as part of illegal logging activities.
Images shared widely on social media over the weekend showed a tree stump next to a commemorative stone bearing the name of the late Nobel Laureate, Professor Wangari Maathai.
The image sparked outrage among some Kenyans, with many questioning why a tree planted in her honour would be removed during a time when illegal deforestation remains a sensitive national issue.
However, in a statement posted on its official X page on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, KFS clarified that the tree in question was not cut down recently, nor was it felled illegally.
The agency said the original tree had split and posed a safety hazard, necessitating its removal.
“Kenya Forest Service has noted a photo of a tree stump with a commemoration stone next to it. This photo has been making rounds on social media insinuating a case of illegal logging that has taken place,” KFS said.
KFS also urged the public to stop spreading unverified information online, noting that anyone seeking clarification on the matter should contact them directly.
“This is not the case, and anyone requiring further clarification on this matter is invited to contact the Kenya Forest Service,” read the statement.
Memorial tree
KFS also shared photos of the said tree, showing a large plaque placed on its stump with details indicating when it was planted and when it was cut down.
According to the plaque, the tree was planted by the Prep Section Students on October 24, 2011, as a replacement for the original one, which had spontaneously split and was cut down on January 25, 2019, as a health and safety measure.
“This tree has been dedicated to the memory of Professor Wangari Maathai, Nobel Laureate, after the original tree that was planted by the Prep Section Students on 24th October 2011 spontaneously split and had to be cut down as a health & safety measure on 25th January 2019,” the inscription on the memorial plaque at the site further reads.
