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By Titus Too
Two rare aquatic antelopes known as Sitatunga were burnt to death when a fire destroyed their habitat in Nandi Central District.
The blaze destroyed acres of papyrus reeds —home of the rare antelope at the Kingwal Swamp in Kapsabet Division. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Warden Francis Irungu said a farmer started the fire.
"But the fire spread into their habitat, burnt two antelopes and injured a few others," he said.
Villagers and KWS officials rescued one antelope and took it to the KWS offices in Kapsabet where it is being treated.
The deaths come barely a month after another fire destroyed acres of the swamp and displaced the antelopes, which are believed to have sought refuge downstream of Kingwal River.
On Monday, Irungu said local conservation groups and residents assisted KWS officials to put out the fire.
Kingwal Swamp is home to an estimated 300 Sitatunga, up from 65 when they were discovered in the area ten years ago. The farmer who started the fire has gone into hiding.
Irungu urged farmers to take care while burning bushes as they prepare their farms during this dry spell.
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