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Ruto teasingly warns foreign delegates about lions roaming in Nairobi
17th November, 2025 04:52 PM
President William Ruto stirred laughter at an international forum after issuing a playful caution to visiting delegates about the possibility of encountering lions on the streets of Kenya’s capital.
His remarks painted a vivid picture of Nairobi’s rare harmony between wildlife and urban development, capturing the attention of participants at the 14th World Conference of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (IARMJ).
The light moment unfolded during his address on Monday, November 17, 2025, where he spoke about Nairobi’s unique identity as a modern metropolis that remains intimately connected to nature.
“If you happen to take a morning walk around the city, I need to warn you that sometimes the lions break away from the national park. So when you come across a lion, be careful.”
Urban wildlife balance
Ruto told the gathering that Nairobi stands among the world’s few capitals where a national park sits just minutes away from the central business district, allowing residents and visitors to witness wild animals without travelling long distances.
”Nairobi is a great city. On the northern side, you have a whole canopy of the very good Karura Forest. On the southern side, you have our national park. Find time and visit one of these places at the Nairobi National Park. It is almost 15 minutes from this hotel, so it’s right in town,” Ruto said.
He noted that this coexistence, while extraordinary, often results in unexpected encounters that make headlines whenever lions stray from protected areas into neighbouring estates.
The president emphasised that Kenya’s conservation legacy is a source of national pride, contributing to tourism, research, and the country’s international reputation.
He described wildlife as a shared resource that must be safeguarded for future generations.
Conservation efforts praised
During the high-level event, attended by judicial officers and migration experts from different continents, Ruto highlighted the country’s longstanding investment in wildlife protection.
He pointed to partnerships involving local communities, security agencies, and conservation organisations that help monitor animal movements and prevent conflicts.
The president stated that Kenya’s model balances environmental responsibility with the pressures of modernisation.
He noted that the sight of lions walking close to residential areas, though rare, underscores the importance of expanding protected wildlife corridors.
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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