One person was killed and several others sustained injuries following a violent confrontation between a group of armed herders and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers at Yakalicha, Tsavo East National Park. The incident occurred during a routine patrol on Sunday, December 29, 2024, approximately 16 kilometers inside the park.
KWS confirmed the attack in a statement released on Monday, December 30, 2024. According to the statement, KWS officers encountered over 30 armed herders who had illegally entered the protected area. The herders aggressively advanced on the officers, attacking them with poisoned arrows. One herder was fatally injured during the confrontation, and one officer narrowly avoided serious harm when a poisoned arrow struck his firearm.
“KWS extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased herder and regrets the incident, especially given the historically harmonious relationship between the Service and the Kone community,” the statement read.
Investigation Underway
The incident was promptly reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Mutomo, Kitui County, and Garsen, Tana River County. Crime scene investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading to the confrontation. KWS assured the public of its full cooperation with the ongoing investigations.
Accusations of Incitement
KWS further accused Garsen Constituency Member of Parliament Guyo Ali Wario of inciting local communities against park rangers. The Service claimed that over the past year, Wario has encouraged illegal activities within the park, including settlement and grazing.
“Unfortunately, a section of the local community has been incited by the Member of Parliament for Garsen Constituency, Hon. Guyo Ali Wario, to illegally invade and settle within the park with false promises of acquiring land,” the statement alleged.
This incitement, according to KWS, has led to the illegal construction of makeshift settlements, armed herding of livestock, and other detrimental activities such as poaching, bush meat trade, arson, and severe environmental degradation.
Escalating Tensions
The incident at Yakalicha is the latest in a series of confrontations between KWS and local communities. In November 2024, escalating hostility resulted in the burning of a police station and the displacement of a KWS security base at Kalalani in the South Kitui National Reserve. KWS described these acts as compromising public safety, property security, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Efforts to Foster Coexistence
Despite these challenges, KWS reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence with the local communities. The Service has engaged in community meetings (barazas) with elders, local leaders, and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), which have led to improved relations in some areas.
KWS has also undertaken several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to address community needs, including:
- Drilling a borehole to provide water for local communities and their livestock.
- Constructing classrooms to enhance educational facilities for the park-adjacent Kone community.
“KWS reiterates that illegal entry into national parks constitutes a criminal offence under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap 376. Armed incursions into wildlife-protected areas are particularly provocative and pose serious risks to both law enforcement officers and the public,” the statement emphasized.
Historical Tensions
Conflict between KWS and the local communities, particularly in the Tana Delta Sub-County, has persisted for months. The disputes primarily revolve around access to grazing areas and watering spots. Asa-Kone village, located near the Tsavo East National Reserve, has been a hotspot for such clashes. Residents have accused rangers of unwarranted persecution, including arrests and detentions in distant locations like Voi, over 400 kilometers away.
In August 2024, MP Guyo Ali Wario attempted to mediate the tensions, calling for government compensation for affected residents and advocating for peaceful dialogue. However, tensions remain high, culminating in incidents such as the confrontation at Yakalicha.
KWS has condemned continued incitement and urged all stakeholders to work towards sustainable solutions that balance community needs with the imperative to protect Kenya’s wildlife and natural heritage.
