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Tag: Hyena attack

  • Hyenas attack Narok family’s livestock, KWS promises compensation

    Hyenas attack Narok family’s livestock, KWS promises compensation

    A family in Olderkesi, Narok West Sub-county, is grappling with significant losses after hyenas attacked their homestead, killing dozens of sheep during the early hours of the night.

    The attack, which is not the first of its kind, has left the community in fear of increased poverty due to the growing threat from wild animals.

    Joel Kuyo, speaking on behalf of the affected family, expressed his frustration, noting that this is the second such attack within two weeks.

    “A fortnight ago, we lost 12 sheep to the same hyenas. Now they have returned, and 16 more of our sheep have been killed,” Kuyo said.

    He lamented that the repeated losses threaten the community’s livelihood, as they rely solely on livestock for their survival.

    “We depend fully on our livestock for our survival. We sell them to buy food, pay school fees, and cover other expenses. This trend of hyena attacks could push us deeper into poverty,” Kuyo added.

    The residents are now calling on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to intervene and protect them from the growing number of wild animals in the area.

    Edwin Silolo, the KWS official responsible for compensation in Narok West Sub-county, visited the homestead and confirmed that 16 sheep had been killed in the latest attack.

    He acknowledged the recurrence of the problem, reiterating that 12 sheep were killed in a similar attack two weeks ago.

    Silolo assured the affected family that the government has put a compensation program in place through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

    “President William Ruto launched a program to ensure that victims of human-wildlife conflict are compensated within three months. I believe this farmer will receive compensation soon,” he said.

    He also urged residents to report any wildlife attacks by dialling *202*09# free of charge.

    “When you report an attack, KWS can act immediately, verify the losses, and process compensation. However, failure to report the incident could result in a loss of compensation rights,” Silolo emphasized.

    As the community awaits further action, they remain hopeful that the government will address the increasing presence of wild animals in the area to prevent further devastation to their livelihoods.

  • Team to be deployed to Juja to drive out hyenas

    Team to be deployed to Juja to drive out hyenas

    The Government will track and capture hyenas that have been prowling Juja estates, Kiambu County, mauling people and causing anxiety, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.

    Mr Gachagua on Saturday said the Government will dispatch a team of security personnel to the area to drive out the wild animals and address the menace following cases of increased attacks.

    Mr Gachagua, however, blamed the increased hyena attacks in Juja on abandoned quarries, which could be providing hiding places for the hyenas to hide before launching attacks on the residents.

    He spoke at the wedding ceremony of Paul Wetosi and Jacinta Wanjiru, daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi, at the Juja Preparatory School grounds.

    “We have gathered from KWS Director-General that the problem of hyenas in Juja is also the abandoned quarry sites. The death incidents are worrisome. We are sending a team to capture the hyenas and relocate them so that they do not become a menace. The quarries are also a security threat and can be breeding area for mosquitoes,” said Mr Gachagua.

    He was responding to Juja MP George Koimburi’s plea for the Government’s intervention after a 52-year-old woman was mauled to death by a hyena recently. Mr Koimburi said that in the past five months the wild animals have killed several people, including children.

    At the wedding ceremony, the Deputy President was accompanied by his Spouse Pastor Dorcas, MPs Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha) and James Gakuya (Embakasi North).

    MCAs led by Juja Kalimoni Ward Representative Godfrey Mucheke, who is also the Leader of the Majority Party in Kiambu County Assembly, among other leaders were also present.

    The Deputy President further asked the residents to be vigilant and support the Government’s fight against illicit brews and drugs and substance abuse.

    “On the fight illicit brews, we are reclaiming broken families. Some young men and women had abandoned their families because of illicit brews and drugs abuse,” he said.

    To the newly-weds, Mr Gachagua urged them to anchor their belief in God and protect the family unit since it is the foundation of the Nation.

    “We are happy to be in this occasion. Paul and Shiru have done their parents proud by starting their own family and having a wedding. This is the real way to fight tribalism and create national cohesion. Kenya is one and we are all Kenyans. But that does not mean we forget our origin and identity. We have traditions, customs and beliefs. Much as we come together as one people, we must remember our origin,” he said.

    On her part, Pastor Dorcas advised the new couple to support and take care of each other in life for the prosperity of their family.

    “Marriages work. Some say they do not work because they entail a lot of work, tolerance and commitment. You must be truthful,” she said.

  • One killed, two injured following Hyena attack in Rongai – KWS

    One killed, two injured following Hyena attack in Rongai – KWS

    The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has called for vigilance among residents along the Southern part of Nairobi National Park after two people were attacked by a Hyena on Monday evening.

    In a statement, the KWS noted that the Southern part of the park serves as wildlife migratory corridor, hence the need to exercise caution.

    KWS confirmed that two people including a Multi Media University student, were attacked and grievously injured by hyenas Monday evening at approximately 8.00PM, at Ole Kasasi area in Rongai, Kajiado County.

    “Upon receiving reports, KWS promptly deployed the Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU), who rushed the men to Wema Hospital in Rongai. The injured were then referred to The Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment, after First Aid was administered,” the statement read.

    KWS further revealed that partial remains of a human being were discovered at the scene and have since been confirmed by family members.

    “The PAMU team will remain on standby until all hyenas in Ole Kasasi are driven back into the park to enhance protection of members,” said the KWS.

    On Tuesday, Multi Media University students held peaceful demonstrations outside the KWS Workshop Gate opposite the university.

    The protests escalated while KWS senior officers held an emergency meeting with the university’s Vice Chancellor Professor Maranga and her team.

    “KWS Senior Assistant Director for Southern Conservation Area, Adan Kalla, MMU Vice Chancellor Professor Maranga, and OCPD Rongai addressed the agitated students, and KWS outlined mitigation measures taken to contain the hyenas.”

    The PAMU team promptly put down one hyena and proceeded to further launch an operation to identify any surrounding hyena dens.

    The veterinary team accompanying PAMU are investigating the hyena carcass, to ascertain whether they could be infected with rabies or other zoonotic diseases.

    KWS urged all Kenyans to promptly report any wildlife emergency cases to the nearest KWS office or contact the Service’s 24/7 hotline on 0800 597 000 for immediate intervention.