Politics
Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the government will take action to track and capture hyenas that have been roaming Juja estates in Kiambu County, where they have been attacking people and creating widespread concern.
While speaking in Juja on Sunday, Gachagua announced that the government would send a team of security personnel to the area to confront the issue by removing the wild animals and tackling the ongoing problem of increased attacks. He attributed the rise in hyena attacks in Juja to abandoned quarries, suggesting that these locations offer the animals ideal hiding spots before they strike at the residents.
“We have learned from the KWS Director-General that the issue of hyenas in Juja is linked to the abandoned quarry sites. The recent incidents of death are a huge source of concern and we will therefore dispatch a team to capture and relocate the hyenas to prevent them from becoming a nuisance. Additionally, these quarries pose a security threat and can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, an issue that we are looking into.” stated Gachagua.
Various photos of the Deputy President and spouse during an event in Juja Constituency.
He was addressing Juja MP George Koimburi’s request for government intervention following the recent mauling to death of a 52-year-old woman by a hyena. The MP reported that over the past five months, wild animals have killed multiple people, including children.
On their part, KWS stated that it had quickly activated the Problem Animal Management Unit, strategically positioned traps, commenced hyena captures, and mobilized a veterinary team to trans locate and relocate the hyenas from areas populated by humans to mitigate the issue.
This follows complaints from local residents regarding the authorities’ inaction to tackle the problem. To date, five individuals have lost their lives in that area due to the animals. The areas most impacted in Juja South include Nyacaba, Witeithia, Maraba, and Kabati, all located in Kiambu County.
Earlier this year, KWS announced that it has successfully translocated 12 hyenas from Juja as part of its efforts to address the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region. The Deputy President also urged the residents to remain alert and assist the government in combating illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse.