Following a string of fatal hyena attacks in Witeithie Ward, Juja Sub-county, Kiambu County, Senator Karungo Thang’wa has called for a Senate inquiry into the Kenya Wildlife Service’s (KWS) handling of the situation. The Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources will lead the investigation.
The Senator’s demands stem from mounting concerns among residents who have faced repeated hyena attacks, most recently resulting in the tragic death of a woman while walking to work. This incident, on top of past attacks and residents’ reports going unaddressed, has fueled fear and anxiety within the community.
Thang’wa demands clear answers from KWS, urging the committee to:
- Identify reasons behind KWS’s perceived inaction: Residents have voiced numerous complaints about the rampant hyena attacks, prompting questions about why KWS hasn’t taken more decisive steps.
- Recommend long-lasting solutions: The aim is to create sustainable measures to mitigate hyena attacks and ensure the safety and well-being of Kiambu residents.
- Clarify immediate actions taken: Thang’wa wants transparency on KWS’s current efforts to address the issue and alleviate residents’ anxieties.
- Confirm plans for victim compensation: Addressing the plight of those affected by the attacks is crucial, raising questions about potential compensation for victims and their families.
This call for investigation comes on the heels of Kiambu MCAs passing a motion demanding the county government clear bushes and close caves serving as hyena habitats. Additionally, residents have previously obstructed police attempts to collect a victim’s remains, highlighting the depth of their frustration and fear.
KWS, while acknowledging the problem and deploying a team, hasn’t fully quelled residents’ concerns. Abandoned quarries and undeveloped land are blamed for providing cover for the hyenas, believed to have strayed from the nearby Ol-Donyo Sabuk Game Reserve.
The Senate inquiry represents a significant step towards finding answers and implementing effective solutions. With Kiambu residents’ safety at stake, thorough investigation and decisive action are necessary to prevent further tragedies and restore peace of mind to the community.
