Video: Villagers Watch Helplessly as Elephant Tramples Man to Death in Meru

TukoFeb 7, 2025Read original

A tragic incident unfolded in the Muliuntuine area of Igembe North,

, after a farmer was fatally attacked by an aggressive elephant.

The man was reportedly working on his miraa farm when the elephant suddenly charged at him, leading to a fatal attack.

Despite desperate attempts by villagers to scare the elephant away with loud shouts, it remained undeterred and continued its attack, ultimately killing the farmer at the scene.

The attack, which happened on Wednesday, January 5, has sparked concerns among residents, who have repeatedly complained about the growing menace of human-wildlife conflict in the region.

Locals say wild animals, particularly elephants, frequently stray from protected areas into farms and villages, destroying crops and endangering lives.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

On January 14, residents of Kauka village, situated along the Nyahururu-Rumuruti Road, have staged protests following the tragic death of a 65-year-old man who was

The deceased, identified as Josphat Oruko, was attacked at his home around 10 p.m. by an elephant believed to have strayed from Marmanet Forest. His lifeless body was discovered by neighbors shortly after the attack, sparking widespread anger in the community.

The incident has renewed calls for Marmanet Forest to be fenced off to prevent wildlife from encroaching on human settlements.

One resident described the persistent threat posed by the elephant, saying the elephant has been terrorizing residents for nearly six months, and that it is highly aggressive and does not respond to deterrents.

Villagers expressed deep frustration over repeated wildlife attacks that have resulted in deaths, injuries, and property destruction, pleading with the government for action.

In response to the tragedy, angry locals blocked the Nyahururu-Rumuruti Road, calling on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to take immediate action.

In April 2024, President

announced that the national government had increased compensation amounts compared to previous years.

He explained that the constitution had been amended to

. Additionally, he outlined a new system for compensating survivors of wildlife attacks.

The government will provide financial support based on the severity of the injuries, with some victims receiving KSh 2 million, others KSh 3 million, and more severe cases qualifying for up to KSh 4 million. Ruto assured that as long as the affected individuals remained within the required area, they would receive the necessary assistance.