Nairobi: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials in Murang’a County have launched an intensive manhunt in Kiairathe, Kangema Constituency, to flush out wild animals suspected to be wolves that have been terrorising residents. At least five people have been bitten in recent attacks and are undergoing treatment, while one woman remains admitted at Mt Kenya Hospital, Kangema.
According to Kenya News Agency, the residents have also killed five of the animals as panic grows over the rising human-wildlife conflict in the area. Speaking in Kiarathe during the ongoing operation, area Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi called for calm and cooperation between the public and the KWS county officers. Kihungi expressed sympathies for those affected and urged vigilance, noting that the animals are hiding in the highly vegetated tea bushes. He also mentioned plans to push for compensation for the victims as provided for in law.
Kihungi further noted that tea farming, the main source of income in the area, has been disrupted as workers fear going to the farms. He urged KWS to remain vigilant and assist quickly to prevent more attacks. Murang’a County KWS Warden John Gathua stated that the dense vegetation has made tracking the animals difficult but assured that the operation will continue until the threat is contained. Gathua emphasized the importance of cutting overgrown bushes to prevent the animals from using them as cover.
One of the victims, Lucy Waithera, recounted her experience of being mauled while picking tea, resulting in a leg injury. Another victim, 80-year-old Kimani Gachihi, was attacked while cutting fodder and is currently nursing a deep wound on his left leg. John Ngunjiri also sustained injuries on his knee and hands while cutting grass. Another victim, identified as the wife of John Mwangi Kuria, remains hospitalised after being mauled last Thursday, suffering injuries on her legs, neck, and hands.
Residents are appealing for urgent and sustained intervention to restore safety, as livelihoods and daily activities are threatened under the ongoing fear of attacks.