One herder died on Sunday following an altercation between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers and some 30 armed herders who had illegally entered Tsavo East National Park.
The incident, which took place some 16 kilometres inside the protected Park at Yakalicha, began when the herders shot poisonous arrows at the KWS officers who had approached them to know what they were doing inside the park.
According to the KWS, the herders attacked the officers leading to a scuffle.
“Regrettably, one herder was fatally injured during the incident and officer (KWS) escaped by a whisker from being shot with a poisoned arrow that stuck on the firearm…KWS extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased herder and regrets the incident,” the KWS said in a statement.
KWS further said the matter is currently being investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations offices in Mutomo, Kitui County and Garsen, in Tana River County with crime scene investigations teams already working to establish the circumstances surrounding the event.
KWS noted that the last one year has witnessed increased clashes between locals and KWS officers, particularly at the north-eastern boundary of Tsavo East National Park, with the Service accusing local leaders of inciting the public against its officers.
It is these incitements, the KWS said, that have led to the illegal construction of makeshift settlements within the parks.
KWS also said armed herding of thousands of livestock in the protected areas now pose a significant threat to wildlife and its staff members.
Further, the continued encroachment of the national park has resulted in the displacement of wildlife, increased bushmeat trade, deaths of wildlife, arson and severe environmental degradation, the Service said.
A month ago (November 2024), the hostility between the locals and state security agencies guarding the park resulted in the burning of a police station and the displacement of KWS security base at Kalalani inside South Kitui National Reserve.
“Despite these challenges, KWS remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence by engaging local communities through meetings, involving elders, national government administration officers and local leaders to improve relations and calmness,” KWS said.
Despite these initiatives, KWS reiterated that illegal entry into national parks is a criminal offence under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act adding that “armed incursions into wildlife-protected areas are particularly provocative and pose serious risks to both law enforcement officers and the public”.
“The Service strongly condemns the continued incitement by the MP which has escalated tensions and contributed to the unfortunate incident at Yakalicha. We urge all communities to respect protected areas and work collaboratively to ensure the safety of wildlife, park personnel and local residents,” KWS said.
