In September 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Akila Ng’ondu village, Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County, when an elderly man named Kimani Ntoithabu was trampled to death by marauding elephants.
The elephants, believed to have strayed from Meru National Park, attacked his home early in the morning, destroying his house and killing him instantly.
Residents had previously alerted the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) about the presence of these stray elephants, but no timely action was taken.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of human-wildlife conflict in the region. In the same month, two elephants suspected to have strayed from Meru National Park destroyed miraa plantations and food crops in KK and Kaai villages in Akirang’ondu Ward, Igembe Central Subcounty.
The elephants claimed the life of a 90-year-old man named Kimani M’Ithibutu while he was sleeping in his house.
Two women sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized at Nyambene Level 4 hospital. Residents have called upon KWS to implement safety measures to eradicate human-animal conflict and compensate the affected families.
The recurring invasions by elephants have led to significant economic losses for the local communities, as the animals destroy vital crops such as maize, sorghum, beans, bananas, avocados, and miraa.
Residents have expressed fear for their safety and have urged both the national government and KWS to intervene urgently.
They demand timely compensation for their losses and the implementation of effective measures to prevent future incidents.
Meru : Localman Trampled by an Elephant in Igembe pic.twitter.com/17nfqedQ6I
— Goddie (@Goddie_Ke) February 5, 2025
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