Arsonists and charcoal burners are to blame for the recent spate of forest fires across the country, the latest being a blaze in Karura forest Tuesday.

Wildlife Minister Dr. Noah Wekesa is also blaming certain politicians from the forest zones of fueling the fires by inciting locals against conservation efforts. Wekesa however said the situation is under control, and upto ten people have been arrested in connection with the fire outbreaks.

Tuesday's fire outbreak in Karura brings to five the forest infernos that have erupted in the country's major water catchment areas.

In as much as the dry spell characterized by high temperature and strong winds are good catalysts for fire, Wekesa says the rampant blazes are the works of arsonists while politicians also fueled the fires through irresponsible utterances. 

The worst hit are the Mau complex, Koibatek, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Meru.

Of particular concern however is the blaze in Mau forest complex, a forest at the centre of controversy, with communities that have invaded the forest facing eviction.

A task force set up by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is set to release its findings in two weeks time. 

The tug of war has pitted Odinga against local MPs who have vowed that their constituents will not move out of the forest which is a major water catchment area.

So far 4,651 hectares have been burnt resulting in a loss estimated at 65 million shillings.

The fires have had an adverse effect on tourism in the Masai Mara and in Tanzania at the Serengeti National Park with wildlife fleeing the raging infernos.