KWS Director General Erustus Kanga Summoned by MPs Over Rising Human–Wildlife Conflict
The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities has formally summoned Erustus Kanga, the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, after he failed to appear before the committee on three separate occasions.
Members of the committee want him to explain the growing cases of human–wildlife conflict being reported in different parts of the country, an issue that has continued to worry both leaders and affected communities.
Committee chair Adan Yussuf Haji said the committee had now decided to take a firmer stand after Kanga repeatedly missed the scheduled sessions. He warned that if the KWS boss ignores the summons again, he will face a personal fine of Ksh500,000.
Haji made it clear that the money must come from Kanga’s own pocket and should never be paid using public funds, stressing the importance of personal accountability for public officers who fail to honour parliamentary invitations.
According to Haji, Kanga had reached out to him through a phone call and gave verbal reasons for his absence. However, the committee chair explained that he had instructed the KWS Director General to submit the explanation formally in writing, which he failed to do.
Haji noted that while the phone call was acknowledged, parliamentary procedure requires official written communication, especially for matters of such national importance.
Members of the committee strongly opposed giving Kanga any further room for excuses. They said Parliament must exercise the powers provided under Standing Orders to ensure public institutions remain answerable to the people.
Some lawmakers warned that if the continued absence persists, the committee may go a step further and recommend his arrest so that he can be compelled to appear and respond to the questions raised.
The MPs emphasised that the session is extremely important because the country has witnessed an alarming rise in human–wildlife conflict, with many communities suffering serious consequences.
Several incidents have reportedly led to deaths, severe injuries, destruction of homes, loss of livestock, and damage to farms and crops, leaving families in affected areas frustrated and fearful.
The committee specifically pointed to a troubling incident in Kisima Location in Samburu County, Kenya, where wildlife attacks caused widespread destruction and left residents counting heavy losses.
Lawmakers said such incidents show the urgent need for KWS to provide a clear and detailed report on what action is being taken to prevent further attacks and improve the safety of people living near wildlife habitats.
MPs now want KWS to explain the mitigation measures already in place, the compensation process for affected families, and the long-term plans to reduce conflict between wildlife and surrounding communities.
They insisted that protecting human life, livelihoods, and property must remain a top priority while still preserving wildlife resources.
The summons also reflects a broader push by parliamentary committees to strengthen accountability across public institutions. In recent months, lawmakers have increasingly taken action against senior officials who ignore committee invitations.
This mirrors recent standoffs involving governors and the Senate, where some county leaders were also summoned and even faced recommendations for arrest after failing to appear before oversight committees.
The move against Kanga therefore sends a strong message that no public official is above parliamentary oversight.
MPs say they are determined to ensure state agencies such as KWS remain transparent, responsive, and fully accountable to the people they serve, especially on issues that directly affect the safety and livelihoods of Kenyan communities.
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