Residents of Mwatate in Taita Taveta county on Monday took to the streets, demanding for the resignation of Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and Wildlife Principal Secretary Margaret Mwakima.
Carrying placards and chanting anti-Balala slogans, the protesters decried frequent attacks by lions from the neighbouring Tsavo National Park which have killed their livestock.
Area MP Andrew Mwadime said they have been invaded by marauding lions in homesteads which have killed many cows, goats and donkeys for the past weeks.
The lawmaker said it is painful for farmers to lose their livestock which is their main source of livelihood while the Kenya Wildlife Service remains silent about the matter.
"It is very painful for farmers to loose their livestock which is their main source of livelihood. I have been in the forefront at the parliament tabling bills and petitions for human wildlife conflict compensation. Its with great sadness that the KWS are not serious about the roaming lions in our villages," he told the press.
Mwadime supported the peaceful demonstrations, saying CS Najib Balala should make sure that the lions are sent back to the parks and those affected by the wild animals are be compensated.
"I strongly support today's demonstration at Mwatate. CS Najib Balala should make sure that the lions are sent back to the parks and those affected by the wild animals to be compensated."
He further asked PS Magrate Mwakima to be at the forefront in making sure that the wild animals are trapped and taken back to their homes.
"PS Margaret Mwakima should be at the forefront in making sure that this wild animals are trapped and taken back to the park. We do not need lions in Taita Taveta which is a human habitat," said the lawmaker.
#hivisasaoriginal