A heartbreaking case of human-wildlife conflict has left a family mourning in Kyuso, Kitui County. A 61-year-old herder named Ngei Kalungui lost his life on Saturday after being trampled by a group of elephants while taking care of his animals on his farm in Mataka village.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing four elephants moving through the area shortly before the deadly incident occurred.
The animals had wandered into the village from nearby wildlife reserves, causing panic among residents. According to the reports, Kalungui died instantly from the injuries sustained during the attack.
Wild elephants have increasingly been making their way into populated areas, sparking fear among local communities. Villagers say this isn’t an isolated case—many in Kyuso and neighboring areas are now living in constant fear due to the rising number of wild animals entering their farms and homes.
Soon after the incident was reported, local police officers and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel responded swiftly.
They secured the area and managed to drive the elephants back toward the Mwingi National Reserve, from where they are believed to have strayed. Kalungui’s body was taken to a nearby mortuary as investigations and a post-mortem exam are prepared.
Residents across Kitui have raised alarm over the increasing threat from wild animals, especially elephants. Farmers in places like Mutha, Ngaani, and Ndakani say the elephants have repeatedly raided their fields, destroying entire harvests and threatening their only source of income.
Some have lost green grams, millet, and sorghum crops worth hundreds of thousands of shillings—losses that take months or even years to recover from.
The government has acknowledged the growing problem and announced plans to compensate victims. Officials confirmed that billions of shillings have already been paid out in partial compensation to those affected by wildlife damage and attacks.
KWS says it’s working on longer-term solutions to minimize human-wildlife conflict. Measures include building more secure fences and installing water points inside national parks and reserves, hoping this will prevent animals from leaving protected areas and wandering into farms and villages.
As the situation develops, residents are pleading for urgent action to ensure their safety and protect their livelihoods before more lives are lost.
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