A herd of elephants that strayed into a village in Chepalungu, Bomet County on Tuesday, October 18 killed a middle-aged man and left another with grave injuries.
The victim was pronounced dead on arrival at Longisa County Hospital where he was rushed by members of the public.
Longisa Hospital Administrator Felix Langat said the deceased sustained injuries on his stomach.
Langat said the second victim, who is still battling for his life, has injuries on his legs and arms.
He said though he is out of danger, doctors are battling to treat the injuries.
“It’s unfortunate that one of the two who were brought was pronounced dead on arrival,” he said.
10 elephants storm village
The herd of 10 elephants strayed into Lelaitich village from Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) officials said a biting drought at the game reserve may have driven the herd out in search of food.
Narok County Director of KWS Ibrahim Osman said there are many animals that are migrating out of the reserve due to the drought.
Kipreres Location Senior Chief Philip Chelule said besides injuries, the elephants left a trail of destruction.
Chelule said two families had their houses brought down by rogue elephants.
Sigor Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Mutai said there are rising cases of wild animals straying into the area.
Mutai said a week ago, a pack of hyenas stormed the village and killed goats before disappearing.
The MCA said it was time KWS to set up a base in the area to help in checking Human-wildlife conflicts.
Mutai decried the delay by KWS in responding saying the destruction and death would have been averted.
Elephants succumb to drought
Wildlife, Kenya’s heritage is being decimated by the worst drought in 40 years.
In most of the over 40 National Parks and Reserves in the country, dead animals’ litters all over.
“In Amboseli National Park, tourists are forced to wear face masks due to the strong stench of decomposing wildlife,” Benson Leyian, CEO of Big Life said.
At the park which is the homestead of over 1,800 elephants, at least 21 have died in the last two months.
“We are losing wildlife at an alarming rate. We have lost 15 baby elephants and 6 adults in a span of two months and this number is high considering the period of drought,” said a senior officer at the park who sought anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.
In July this year outgoing Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said 78 elephants from the Tsavo National Park had died due to the drought experienced in the conservancy.
Driving across the park, the death field is around the Ol Tukai area where carcasses of wildebeest, elands, zebras, and buffaloes among others are strewn all over.
Water in the park is in plenty but lack of pasture is the cause of deaths.
