Death Threat Received by Opponent of Bedford Biofuels Tana Delta Project

We have been reporting on developments in the Kenyan Tana Delta related to a proposed Jatropha plantation by the Canadian company Bedford Biofuels. We stand with our BirdLife partner Nature Kenya in their concerns about the environmental and social impacts of this project. Over a month ago, we wrote to the Canadian government about our concerns, but we have not heard back.

Now, we are even more concerned to hear alarming news that opposition to the project is being met with violence in the form of a death threat, currently under investigation by the Kenyan police. From BirdLife International:

Mr. Hajj Idris Bakero, a religious leader in Garsen Division, received death threats, presumably for his opposition to a jatropha project in the area.

On September 9th 2011, his wife Hamida Kori found a black plastic bag at the main gate to her compound, in it was petrol in a small plastic bag, four rounds of ammunition for an M16 Gun, and a warning note.


Translated, the note warned the cleric not to continue “barking “about the project or else “these four bullets will get into your body, we will burn your wife and children with petrol so that your name disappears forever.” This threat has now been reported to the Kenyan Police.

Find out more here. And stay tuned.