Juja Residents Protest, Demand KWS Accountability After 4-Year-Old Was Mauled by Hyena

Residents of Juja, Kiambu County, took to the streets on Wednesday, September 5th, to protest the tragic death of a 4-year-old boy who was mauled by a hyena. This marks the third such attack in the area this month, sparking outrage and demands for urgent action from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

The incident occurred in Flat Estate area Nyacaba, Witeithie, where the boy was attacked while playing near his home. The child’s body was found hours later, leading to widespread grief and anger. Residents blocked the busy Thika Highway, calling for immediate steps to address the rising human-wildlife conflict.

Residents accused KWS of being slow to respond to the increasing hyena attacks, urging greater accountability. “We cannot continue living in fear,” one protester said. “Our children are not safe, and we need KWS to act now.”

This is the third attack in a month. Earlier, a 5-year-old boy and a 10-year-old child were also fatally mauled by hyenas. The community now feels vulnerable and abandoned.

KWS expressed condolences to the affected families and assured the public they are stepping up efforts to address the issue. The agency has deployed a specialized team to manage the situation, focusing on hyena control and community education on safety.

KWS also launched Operation OndoaFisi-2 to track, capture, and relocate hyenas. Since its start, 38 hyenas have been relocated, and 12 quarries used as hideouts have been sealed.

Managing wildlife outside protected areas is challenging, as many animals move seasonally in search of food. KWS urged residents to limit nighttime movement and dispose of waste properly to avoid attracting hyenas. The agency also asked the community not to interfere with traps set for the animals.