Fears of crocodile attacks in Nyali-Mombasa as the reptiles stray from Mamba Village

Residents of Mombasa County’s high-end neighbourhood – Nyali – are living in fear after a bask of crocodiles strayed from their sanctuary, Mamba Village, which is located in the area.

Mamba Village manager, Ali Safari, admits that several crocodiles strayed into human settlement, consequently, triggering fear among residents.

He, however, acknowledges he cannot authoritatively reveal the exact number of crocodiles who have belly-crawled out of the conservancy.

“Recently, we had our ponds renovated. The process entailed removal of mud in the puddles. After completing the renovations, we forgot to fence off an area around one of the pools. Three crocodiles, at the time, got out of the facility through the opening,” Safari told Citizen Television on Monday, July 8.

Safari says they have reached out to Kenya Wildlife Service to help them take the animals back to their habitat.

Suleiman Rajab, a Nyali resident, says it has been almost one week now since the reptiles invaded the human settlement.

“We are living in fear. The county government should intervene,” said Rajab.

Another Nyali resident, Patricia Kamene, says the reptiles tend to attack unvigilant people.

“We are not used to seeing these animals living around us. So, you could be leaving your home unalert -- as usual -- only for the crocodiles to pounce on you,” said Kamene.

A section of Nyali residents took to micro-blogging site, Twitter, to urge the KWS to take immediate action so as to prevent possible crocodile attacks.

A Twitter user, Mnyika Sokwemtu whose handle is @siambiliki, said: “@kwskenya, another crocodile has been spotted off Beach Road, Nyali Mombasa. This is getting extremely dangerous!”

Malik Oyondi Otiende said: “Crocodiles on the loose in Nyali; around Beach Road Estate behind Mamba Village. Great danger to local residents, especially early-risers. Someone pass this information to Mamba Village [management] and @kwskenya.”

On two occasions, KWS officers have been seen taking the crocodiles back to their ponds.

Mamba Village is owned by former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti Bolo.