KWS rangers capture stray lioness, cub in Taita Taveta

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers haves captured two lions that have been killing livestock in Mwashuma, Taita Taveta County.

The lioness and her cub were captured on Thursday night.

Tsavo National Park assistant director, Mr George Osuri, said officers from the Problematic Animal Management Unit (Pamu) are still searching for four other cubs.

He said the lions were part of the pride that escaped from the Tsavo park.

“The cubs escaped but our team is looking for them to be brought back to the park. It is a relief to locals that we have been able to capture some of the predators,” he said.

Mr Osuri said the lioness had an injured back leg which made her look for easy prey in the community.

He said officers have been dispatched to the affected villages to assure them the cats will be captured.

“We know they have been terrorising [Mwatate Sub-County] residents, but we are continuing with the search. The operation is ongoing,” he said.

On Monday, residents led by Taita Taveta deputy governor, Mr Majala Mlaghui, held a demonstration in Mwatate town over increase in human-wildlife conflict.

Local leaders including Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja, Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime, Voi MP Jones Mlolwa and county assembly members faulted KWS of dragging their feet after the cats escaped from the park.

Governor Samboja and Mr Mwadime met with Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, who promised to dispatch more officers to capture the lions.

“Had we not protested it means we could not have been heard,” said a Mwatate resident, Mr Josphat Mwadilo.

The presence of the lions in Mwaktau, Msorongo, Mwashuma, Chawia, Ngerenyi, Wusi and Kishamba have affected day-to-day activities, including farming.

Residents said livestock killed by lions included dairy cows, goats, donkeys and even dogs.

Mr Thomas Jumwa said the livestock were worth Sh5.1 million.

“We have suffered in the past two months; we have lost over 128 livestock. This is a big loss to us,” he said.

The residents want compensation for the lost livestock.