One hippopotamus is giving Katanga residents sleepless nights(Photo|Carpacart)
Residents of Syokisinga village in Katangi Yatta Sub County have threatened to slaughter and share the game of a hippopotamus that is on the loose in the region.
According to Katangi Member of County Assembly Nicholas Mutuku, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has one week to control the hippo or the residents will seek alternatives.
The wildlife-human conflict has been one of the challenges the KWS has been faced with from time to time. In the past, wild animals such as lions, buffaloes, and elephants have broken from their confines into people’s residents especially those that surround game reserves.
According to Dennis Mwanzia, one of the Katangi residents, the hippo has caused an immeasurable amount of destruction to the farms in the region.
“It’s time KWS took action and as a matter of fact compensate us for the damage the animal has caused us,” said Mwanzia.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday in Katangi, the area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Nicholas Mutuku giving a one-week ultimatum, warned KWS to act with speed before the animal gets out of control and provoke the residents to find ways to help themselves.
“The animal has been spotted along the banks of river Athi pausing a major threat to humans and crops,” said the MCA.
According to the MCA, officials from the KWS have frequented the region but none of their visits have provided a lasting solution to the cries of the residents. He urged WS to erect an electric fence that will deter the animals from breaking out of their confines.
The MCA threatened to invite area residents into a protest in a week’s time if the KWS will not hearken to the area resident’s complaints.