The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has reported a tragic incident that occurred on Sunday, 29th December 2024, inside Tsavo East National Park.
According to a statement from KWS, its officers engaged in a violent confrontation with armed herders at Yakalicha, located 16 kilometres inside the park, who were trespassing.
Officers on a routine patrol encountered over 30 herders armed with poisoned arrows. When the officers confronted the group, the herders allegedly attacked the KWS officers using poisoned arrows.
The officers, who were caught off guard by the sudden aggression, were forced to defend themselves. Tragically, one of the herders was fatally injured during the altercation.
Consequently, in the ensuing clash, one herder was fatally injured, and a KWS officer narrowly escaped injury after a poisoned arrow struck their firearm.
“In the ensuing confrontation, the herders attacked the KWS officers with poisoned arrows and advanced aggressively.
“Regrettably, one herder was fatally injured during the incident and one officer escaped by a whisker from being shot with a poisoned arrow that stuck on the firearm.,” the KWS statement read in part.
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KWS Officer Attacked in the Clash
Fortunately, one officer narrowly escaped death after being shot by a poisoned arrow.
KWS, in a statement released on Monday, December 30, extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased herder and expressed regret over the incident.
Further, the Service emphasized the importance of maintaining the historically peaceful relationship between KWS and the Kone community, particularly in light of the violent confrontation.
“The incident has been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Mutomo, Kitui County, and Garsen, Tana River County.
“Crime scene investigation teams are already at work to establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. KWS is cooperating fully with the DCI in their investigations,” added the statement.
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Encroachment of Tsavo East National Park and Suspects
According to the service, over the past year, it had faced increasing challenges along the North-eastern boundary of Tsavo East National Park.
Allegedly, a section of the local community, incited by the Member of Parliament for Garsen Constituency, Guyo Ali Wario, has been encroaching on the park’s land.
These illegal activities have had dire consequences, including the construction of makeshift settlements, armed herding of livestock within protected areas, and significant environmental damage.
In addition, there has been a rise in poaching, bush meat trade, and wildlife deaths, exacerbating the already delicate balance of the park’s ecosystem.
KWS has raised alarm over the severe risks posed to both wildlife and personnel, with the growing presence of livestock herders putting enormous strain on the park’s resources and security.
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