Two bodies were discovered in a forest, sparking fear among residents of Matumbe in Endebes, Trans Nzoia.
One victim, 51-year-old Patrick Simiyu alias Wenani, is believed to have been beaten before being shot.
The body of 42-year-old Geoffrey Chesongol was found under a cypress tree in the Kaitokoch area of Kimothon Forest. The body bore multiple injuries.
Matumbei MCA Margret Mutai expressed anger at the killings, noting that Chesongol had recently participated in a national tree-planting initiative.
He said two other residents, George Sirengo and Meshack Wanyonyi, were nursing injuries allegedly inflicted by newly employed forest guards.
The forest's security officer in charge, Kolum Samson, promised to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents. He said appropriate action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
Residents have demanded answers and called for increased security measures in the forest. They are concerned about the future of the shamba system programme.
