12-year-old boy attacked by leopards succumbs to injuries

Samburu, Kenya: A 12-year-old boy attacked by marauding leopards on Wednesday morning in Samburu East has died.

The minor succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Seriolipi dispensary.

Osotua Wildlife Foundation Director Tom Losoli said the boy was attacked by the cats at around 9am while tending to his family's goats in the grazing fields.

"His father arrived at the fields and found his son in critical condition. The boy was then rushed to Seriolipi dispensary where he succumbed to the injuries," Losoli said.

Kenya Wildlife Service officers transferred the body to Isiolo District Hospital mortuary. Samburu County Senior Warden Richard Lemarkat mourned the boy and told residents to be vigilant of wild animals especially during the drought period.

"I urge the locals to be careful of the wild animals as many of them could be roaming around for food as a result of the persistent drought," he said.

Mr Lemarkat said cases of human-wildlife conflict have increased in the area.