Residents of Kiarathe village in Kangema Constituency are demanding government compensation after a series of attacks by wild animals suspected to be wolves, left several villagers injured last month.
The attacks have caused significant losses, including medical expenses, livestock deaths, and disruption of livelihoods, particularly tea farming, the area’s main source of income.
The victims say hospital visits have left them financially drained, while others are unable to work due to injuries.
Lucy Waithera, a tea picker who was mauled while working on her farm, described the horrifying ordeal.
“It bit my leg below the knee. I struggled, but it overpowered me. I screamed until people came and killed it. I have spent all my savings on hospital bills, and I still cannot work because the wound on my leg has not healed yet,” she said.
Julius Ngunjiri recounted his own ordeal: “I was attacked while cutting fodder for my animals and I’m still going to the hospital as the wound is yet to heal
“Even my cow was mauled by the dogs and later died, yet it was my only source of income, worth Sh250,000,” he added.
He noted that his wife also had to receive seven rabies jabs after interacting with the cow and the hospital financial burden has been too heavy.
Beatrice Nyambura has been hospitalized for three weeks after being mauled while picking tea. She sustained injuries on her hands, neck, and legs.
“I must visit the hospital four times a week to get dressed. I have spent over Sh200,000, and I still haven’t healed,” she said.
Eighty-year-old Kimani Gachihi, who was attacked while cutting fodder, added, “I was bleeding and calling for help. The wound on my leg is still painful, and the hospital bills have left me broke. I cannot walk long distances or carry out any work.”
Mercy Njeri, another resident, expressed frustration over the lack of official support.
“The KWS says the animals are not on the list for compensation. So what will we do? We have been attacked and are still living in fear,” she said.
Residents say the presence of the animals have disrupted daily life and are living in fear.
“These attacks have disrupted our lives completely. Some of our animals were killed, and we cannot continue with our work as before.”
Kangema Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Kihungi, visited the victims and called on the government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Services, to ensure that the affected residents are fairly compensated.
“We must support these victims and make sure they receive the assistance and compensation they deserve,” Kihungi said.
He added that tea farming has been severely disrupted as worker’s fear going to the plantations.
Last month, The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) launched an intensive operation to locate and remove the dangerous canines.
Murang’a County KWS Warden, John Gathua, said the dense vegetation in tea plantations makes tracking difficult, but assured that the search would continue until the threat is contained
Reports indicate that the wild animals have now moved to nearby Kanyenyaini, heightening fear among residents.
By Florence Kinyua
