Alarm as stray hyenas terrorise Homa Bay residents
Some of the sheep that were killed by rogue hyenas in Kanyadoto Ward in Ndhiwa Sub-County on January 30,2023.
Panic has gripped villages in Kanyadoto, Ndhiwa sub-county in Homa Bay County, after a pack of hyenas invaded farms and killed livestock on Sunday night.
The hyenas broke into animal pens on various farms and mauled at least 10 sheep to death.
Farmers believe the wild animals broke out of Ruma National Park.
Some residents reported sightings of hyenas roaming freely in grazing fields just hours before the night attacks.
Now, Ndhiwa residents say they are concerned that the animals could attack and kill residents.
Mr Samuel Odida, a farmer from Ligodho village, said he woke up and found his animals dead.
According to him, no one heard any commotion when the animals were being killed.
“The animals were my source of their livelihood. I was planning to sell them to pay fees for my children,” he said.
When the Nation visited the affected farms, sheep lay dead with their necks broken.
Rampant
Cases of human-wildlife conflict are common in Ndhiwa, with wild animals including hyenas, crocodiles and monkeys invading homes.
Crocodiles from River Kuja have killed animals as they drink water while monkeys invade farms and destroy crops.
Some of the animals escape from their habitat at Ruma National Park.
Some farmers are now threatening to take matters into their own hands by hunting and killing the wild animals.
Kanyakolo A village elder John Ogoro said he is working with chiefs from affected areas for intervention.
“Residents have called for surveillance in Ligodho and Kanyakolo A villages to ensure their animals are safe. Let KWS move swiftly and address the situation because they may attack humans as well,” Mr Ogoro said.
KWS had sent a team to the affected homes to assess the situation.
Ruma National Park Senior Warden Titus Mitau said he has received reports of the attacks. He, however, said the case is being handled by KWS officers from their office in Homa Bay Town.
"Cases of human-wildlife conflict are handled by our officers at the main station," he said.
