The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has urged Uasin Gishu County residents to resist the temptation of attacking five male elephants, who reportedly escaped from a conservancy in Laikipia County last Thursday.
In their tweet on Friday, July 19, KWS said the elephants “lost their route” at Timboroa Forest in Baringo County while heading to Mau from Laikipia.
On Friday, the jumbos trampled on a 19-year-old man, Emmanuel Kipchumba, who was herding his father’s cattle in Timboroa Forest. The teenager was taken to Eldama Ravine Sub-County Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
KWS communications director, Paul Udoto, now says the elephants are harmless when not provoked, and that despite “appearing lost”, they know their destination.
“Our teams are still tracking the elephants in Matharu, Burnt Forest, Chemususu, Amara areas. Our plea to the public is to avoid disturbing them at all. Let the elephants have peace they deserve as they make their way to the destination,” said the KWS communications boss.
“They know where they are going and human disturbance only irritates them and makes them aggressive. Let them [Kenyans feeling unsafe] call KWS toll-free numbers 0800597000,” said Mr Udoto.
-Stray bullet-
KWS officers on Friday, July 19, accidentally shot dead a 65-year-old man from Timboroa in Baringo County as they were chasing the lost elephants.
Julius Mwenda Kihara, a potato trader, died on the spot after getting struck by a stray bullet.
Timboroa Location chief, Jacob Njehia, confirmed the incident.
