Uproar over four year elephant menace

Elephants that have been terrorizing the residents of Mutunyi in Buuri for four years. [Olivia Murithi/Standard]

Residents of Mutunyi in Buuri sub-county are lamenting over frequent invasion of their farms by elephants.

They said the animals, from the nearby Lewa Conservancy, had caused them massive losses, by destroying their crops, over the past four years.

Those who spoke to The Standard said they want the Government to compensate them after failing to keep the animals off their farms.

"We already have enough challenges as this area in dry. The elephants have worsened the situation by destroying our crops. Most residents rely on agriculture. This menace must end now," said Iphraim Mugambi, one of the residents.

He said they were forced to leave the house late and return home early for fear of attacks by the rogue animals.

Another resident, Fredrick Guantai, said: "The animals start roaming the villages from 7pm. We must be indoors by that time lest we be attacked."

Lease land

"We are forced to lease land elsewhere to grow crops because elephants won't allow farming here. Other than destroying crops, they also pose a major risk to human beings," another resident, Jeremiano Mutembei, said.

Mary Gatwiri said, last week, an elephant uprooted a tree which fell on her house, destroying it completely.

"The animal later destroyed my crops, including tomatoes, maize, onions, peas and pumpkins. It is a major loss," she said.

Joshua M’Iburi’, 83, was attacked and injured by an elephant in 2017 as he tried to chase it away.

He said he had asked Kenya Wildlife Service  (KWS) to compensate him for the injuries, but he was yet to receive any money.

County KWS station warden in charge Kirimi Mbaka said he was not aware of the invasions as no one had reported any incident to his office.

Lewa Conservancy, through Community Manager John Kinoti, said many residents had been seeking compensation without success.