Written By Lisa Murimi
President William Ruto on Friday directed Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials to address the elephant menace raised by Kilifi residents.
Speaking at a rally in the county, Ruto instructed the officials to collaborate with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and other leaders to find a lasting solution to the ongoing issues between the wildlife service and the residents.
“I have heard these KWS officials are disturbing you. I will deal with them because they are supposed to serve Kenyans and as long as the citizens are law-abiding, they should not be harmed,” Ruto asserted.
He called for immediate action and directed KWS to work closely with the local MCA, MP, and Governor to resolve the issues.
Ruto also urged residents to embrace peace and avoid violence, promising to collaborate with coastal region leaders for the area’s development.
President Ruto’s directive comes three weeks after Kilifi residents expressed concerns about an elephant invading their area, reportedly killing a local.
The residents urged KWS to address the issue and proposed constructing an electric fence to prevent animals from invading their farms.
They were disappointed by the wildlife service’s failure to respond to their grievances, hoping that the recent rains would drive the animals back into Tsavo Forest, which did not happen.
Ruto’s intervention aims to ensure that KWS officials are responsive to the needs and safety of Kilifi residents.
