Farmers in Kariri sub-location in Gatundu North have decried the destruction of their food crops by porcupines and local monkeys (theeru) found along the banks of Chania River.
The farmers say that the animals have been destroying their crops that are about to mature like maize, cabbages, pumpkins, arrow roots among others.
"We are very confused and farming along River Chania is becoming extremely difficult. The animals are eating everything," Wambui Mwangi, a dejected farmer said on Wednesday.
The area assistant Chief John Gatuura said that they have tried to reach to the Kenya Wildlife Service but have not gotten any help.
"They told us that it was difficult to hunt the animals arguing that they were in their natural habitat. They advised us to guard our crops or use scarecrows or traps," Gatuura said.
However, a renowned local porcupine hunter in the area Peter Wakaba, said that traps, scarecrows or even leaving the dogs at night tied in the shamba would not deter the animals from going on with their nocturnal activities.
"I can estimate that there are more than 30 mature porcupines roaming freely at night in people's farms. The cry and wailing of few dogs can't stop the monkeys and the porcupines from coming to the farms. Something else must be done," Wakaba said.