Lions stray from Tsavo Park, kill 54 livestock in Magarini

Some of the livestock killed by stray lions in Marafa, Kilifi County. The lions are suspected to have strayed from Tsavo East National Park following a prolonged drought. PHOTO | CHARLES LWANGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Kambi said two lions suspected to have escaped from Tsavo East National Park have been terrorising residents.
  • Mr Kambi said it is not the first time lions have invaded the area.
  • Governor Amason Kingi gave a vehicle and fuel to help the KWS rangers in the operation to drive away the lions.
  • Six months ago, a lion attacked and killed a 10-year-old girl in Kulesa Village.

Residents of Magarini in Kilifi County are living in fear of attacks by wild animals after stray lions killed 54 livestock in Marafa this week.

MCA Renson Kambi said two lions suspected to have escaped from Tsavo East National Park have been terrorising residents for the past few weeks.

“So far, one dog, 45 goats and nine cattle have been killed by the stray lions attacking livestock during the night and early morning,” he said.

Mr Kambi said it is not the first time lions have invaded the area.

The lions have been spotted in Wakala, Baricho, Bungale and Garashi where they killed several livestock.

“Students no longer go to school for fear of attack by lions,” he said.

“It has been difficult to contain the situation since Kenya Wildlife Service rangers in Malindi said their vehicles had no fuel to drive away the lions.”

The ward rep said he had to seek the intervention of Governor Amason Kingi to help the KWS rangers obtain a vehicle and fuel to assist in the operation to drive away the lions.

SPEED UP COMPENSATION

Godana Kitsao, whose cattle and a dog were killed by the lions, urged the government to speed up the compensation process so they can take their children to school in time.

Patrick Changawa, from the Kilifi County Wildlife Conservation and Compensation Board, said residents are mostly facing losses from hyena and lion attacks.

“However, the compensation funds are usually delayed and up to now those who were compensated are those who filled compensation forms in 2013,” he said.

“I request the Environment Cabinet Secretary Judy Wakhungu to hasten the process of compensation,” he added.

Six months ago, a lion attacked and killed a 10-year-old girl in Kulesa Village.

In August 2016, Mtoroni residents also rescued 14-year-old schoolboy Kelvin Mbingwa from a lion that attacked him in broad daylight.