The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed two tragic human-wildlife conflict incidents that claimed the lives of a 14-year-old girl in Rongai and a 54-year-old man in Nyeri County.
In the first incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, a lion attacked and killed a Grade 7 pupil at a home near the southern border of Nairobi National Park in Rongai. According to residents, the girl was playing with other children in their compound when a lioness suddenly appeared and dragged her away. Locals claim the lion consumed more than 80% of the girl’s body before it was driven off.
This is not the first time lions have been spotted wandering into residential areas in the region, and residents are now calling on the government and KWS to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
In a separate incident on Friday evening, a 54-year-old man was fatally injured by an elephant while grazing in Mere Forest, Nyeri County. KWS reports that the man sustained severe chest injuries, fractured ribs, and internal trauma. He succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Karatina Sub-County Hospital.
KWS has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and pledged to work closely with local law enforcement and community leaders to enhance safety measures for people living near protected wildlife zones.
“We are deeply saddened by these unfortunate incidents. We are enhancing patrols and community engagement to reduce human-wildlife conflict and safeguard lives,” said a KWS spokesperson.