Samburu elephant, bee attack leaves three dead and several injured

 Tensions are growing in Loikas village, Samburu County, after a swarm of bees invaded the area, resulting in the death of an 80-year-old man at his home and injuries to several others. [Michael Saitoti, Standard]

A swarm of bees stung an 80-year-old woman to death, leaving numerous villagers, including several children, injured at Lokas Village in Samburu County.

According to authorities, the bees that had inhabited a private home for three years attacked the villagers, particularly elderly men and women who could not escape.

Worshippers attending a daily church service were also not spared, as a swarm of bees disrupted their worship.

The injured were immediately taken to Samburu County Referral Hospital, where they received treatment and were later discharged.

Shabaa sub-location chief Zablon Lekangu urged the homeowner to destroy the beehives to prevent further deaths and injuries.

Lekangu was unable to explain why the bees invaded the villagers, emphasising that the beekeeper must exercise caution.

"We have spoken to the beekeeper and asked him to relocate his hives away from the village. The hives are dangerous when in the neighbourhood," he said.

 Tensions are growing in Loikas village, Samburu County, after a swarm of bees invaded the area, resulting in the death of an 80-year-old man at his home and injuries to several others. [Michael Saitoti, Standard]

Daniel Ndiyangui Kimani, a resident, said he was passing by when he was attacked by the bees.

"I was near the deceased's house when the incident occurred. I rescued a child, but I was stung several times," he said.

Another victim of the bee attack, Julia Akuwam, said several children were injured, along with a 90-year-old grandmother.

Jane Iroyia added that some of those sleeping in their houses were also affected.

"Even those who were attending a mass at the church were not spared either. One person was killed," she said.

Emanuel Ngimero, a village elder, called on the local administration to remove the beehives, citing the danger they posed to the community.

"We do not have the capacity to remove the bees that have colonised a private house. If not removed immediately, we fear more injuries and deaths," he said.

Meanwhile, sorrow and grief have engulfed the residents of Lpetpet village in Lodokejek ward, Samburu County, after an elephant trampled two elderly women from the same family while they were gathering firewood.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at 2.00 pm when the women encountered the elephant, which killed them instantly.

The bodies have been taken to the Samburu County Referral Hospital mortuary in Maralal.

Samburu Central Sub-County Police Commander John Mwai confirmed the incident, stating that they received reports of two fatalities.

Police attended the scene, and the bodies were transported to the Samburu County Referral Mortuary.

Cases of elephants attacking and killing people have increased in Samburu, where marauding elephants continue to pose a threat.