Elephant killed in suspected revenge attack

Laikipia, Kenya: Another elephant has been killed by suspected poachers at the Laikipia Nature and Conservancy Ranch, Laikipia County.

The killing brings to two the number of jumbos killed at the ranch in the last one month.
The 25-year-old female elephant was yesterday found dead deep inside the forest by a forest guard.

It is suspected that the poachers are colluding with illegal grazers in a revenge mission after the latter were denied access to the ranch. The grazers, from neighbouring Baringo, Samburu and Isiolo counties, have forcibly invaded the private ranch in search of pasture and water.

Laikipia Nature Conservancy Director Kuki Gallman, said the grazers were revenging on her efforts to drive them away, saying they have destroyed the wildlife habitat. "These grazers with over 30,000 cows are armed with firearms, arrows and spears," she said.