Authorities in Kajiado County have confirmed the killing of a rogue elephant following a fatal human-wildlife encounter that claimed the life of an early childhood development education teacher in Kajiado West.
In a statement on Monday, Kajiado Governor Ole Lenku said a joint rapid response operation involving the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Kajiado County Government and SORALO rangers was carried out in Ilailupa village near the Mike 46 trading centre in Elangata Wuas location. The elephant was humanely neutralised after it was assessed as a serious threat to public safety.
The animal had earlier attacked and killed the teacher, triggering concern and fear within the local community. According to the county government, the decision to put down the elephant followed a professional evaluation conducted under established wildlife management protocols.
The incident was officially reported by Joel Ole Nyika, the chief park warden of the Amboseli conservation area.
Governor Lenku said county officials from the department of wildlife visited the bereaved family on Friday to offer condolences and immediate support in the wake of the tragedy. He described the incident as deeply painful and extended sympathies to the family and residents affected by the loss.
The county government reiterated its commitment to addressing human wildlife conflict, a recurring challenge in parts of Kajiado that border conservation areas. Lenku said efforts would be intensified to protect communities while conserving wildlife, including the strengthening of early warning systems, rapid response units and sustained community engagement.
Human wildlife encounters have remained a sensitive issue in southern Kenya, where expanding settlements and migration corridors increasingly overlap. Local leaders have repeatedly called for coordinated responses that balance human safety with the protection of the country’s wildlife heritage.
