Court order KWS to pay family of man killed by elephant Sh4 million

A High Court in Chuka has ordered the Kenya Wildlife Service to pay the estate of Josphat Karii Njeru over Sh4 million as compensation for his death.

Justice Robert Kipkoech Limo set aside an earlier decision by the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court in Marimati that dismissed Jediel Murithi Njeru.

Murithi had sued KWS as the legal representative of Karii’s estate. Karii is said to have been killed by a stray elephant on May 1, 2017.

In a judgement delivered on April 11, 2019 the Principal Magistrate’s Court dismissed the case, forcing Murithi to file an appeal.

The judge noted that KWS has not denied liability but resorted technicalities as an excuse for not compensating the Murithi.

“This court entered judgement for the appellant at Sh5 million less 20 per cent liability that reduced the figure by one million. The appellant is therefore awarded Sh4 million plus special damages of Sh45,000,” read the judgement.