Lions lurk in the dark, wildlife agency warns railway workers

Tourists observe a lion at the Maasai Mara. FILE PHOTO |

What you need to know:

  • Workers should be on high alert since they are in a wildlife territory, says assistant director Robert Obrein.
  • “We recommend that the construction workers carry out their activities from morning to 6pm.”

A wildlife agency has warned workers building the standard gauge railway that they risk being attacked by lions if they venture out at night.

Kenya Wildlife Service assistant director Robert Obrein said the China Road and Bridge Corporation had set up camp within the territory of the man-eaters of Tsavo area in Taita Taveta County.

Mr Obrein, who is in charge of Tsavo Conservation Area, said the workers should be on high alert since they are in a wildlife territory.

“The camp is in the area where the notorious man-eating lions that were responsible for the deaths of a number of workers who built the Kenya-Uganda railway in 1898 roamed,” he said.

“It is also near Tsavo River where other big cats such as cheetahs and leopards come to drink water,” he explained.

Last week, he said, a watchman who was guarding trucks at the camp at night was attacked by a leopard, which had two cubs.

The KWS chief added that the guard sustained serious head injuries when the leopard pounced on him.

“The injured guard was admitted to Voi Hospital for treatment, but he is in stable condition,” he said.

Mr Obrein called on the Chinese contractor to ensure its workers work during the day to avert being attacked by the wild cats.

“We recommend that the construction workers carry out their activities from morning to 6pm,” he said.

“The firm should also provide transport to its workers so that they can be ferried out of the park before night falls to ward off attacks from the carnivorous animals,” he explained.

Speaking to the Nation on Thursday, Mr Obrein said KWS was in the process of purchasing cars to be used for patrols to ensure the safety of the workers.