Two tragic incidents over the weekend have reignited concerns over human-wildlife conflict in Kenya, as a lion and an elephant claimed the lives of a teenage girl and a middle-aged man in separate attacks.
The first incident occurred on April 19 in Savannah Ranch, a residential area bordering Nairobi National Park. A 14-year-old girl, identified as Peace Mwendwa, was attacked by a lion that had entered her family’s compound. According to her father, Kennedy Kigen, the predator jumped over a makeshift fence and dragged Peace away. Despite immediate efforts by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers, the lion could not be located in time to prevent the tragedy. Peace’s body was later found near the Mbagathi River with severe injuries.
“This is a devastating loss for our family and the community,” Kigen said. “We have lived here for years, but the increasing presence of wildlife in residential areas is becoming a serious threat.”
In a separate incident on April 18, a 54-year-old herder was fatally trampled by an elephant in Mere Forest, Nyeri County. The man, who was grazing livestock at the time, sustained severe chest injuries and internal trauma. He was rushed to Karatina Sub-county Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
KWS has since issued a statement acknowledging the tragedies and reaffirming its commitment to mitigating human-wildlife conflict. “These incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and strategic interventions,” KWS said. “We are working closely with local communities to improve early warning systems and prevent further loss of life.”
Residents near Nairobi National Park have called for immediate action, including the installation of electric fences along wildlife corridors. Conservationists, however, warn that habitat fragmentation and human encroachment are key drivers of such conflicts.
As Kenya grapples with balancing conservation efforts and human safety, experts urge a collaborative approach to ensure peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
