Families of children mauled by hyena to get Sh20m: KWS

Families of the four children mauled by a hyena on Tuesday night at Kalalani Village in Tana River County will be compensated.

The National Director of Kenya Wild life Service William Kiprono said the families will get at least Sh20 million in accordance with the law. Each family will get Sh5 million.

Addressing mourners at Hola District Hospital in Galole Constituency, Mr Kiprono said although KWS did not have funds to pay victims of attack by wild animals, the families would be compensated by the government as stated by the law.

“The law is clear on compensation since that a family that loses a relative in a wildlife attack, will be compensated Sh5 million just as the law is stern on poachers who destroy our environment,” said Mr Kiprono.

Mr Kiprono visited Hola town in the company of the area Member of Parliament, Mr Hassan Dukicha where he visited the graves of the minors and their parents in hospital.

He assured the residents of safety adding that he had already sent his officers to hunt the killer hyena.

“The news reached my office in with shock which has necessitated me to travel to this place and mourn with the people of Tana River the loss of four children. I want to assure you that my officers will hunt the animal and deal with it accordingly,” said Mr Kiprono.

According to Mr Dukicha, fear had engulfed the residents of Wayu Ward where the incidents happened and residents were seeking to vacate the area before another attack.

He said the second attack which left two women nursing serious wounds on their hands and legs had increased anxiety amongst the villagers.

He urged the families of the victims to hasten in filling up the compensation claim forms and follow the right channel through the local authorities to get their compensation in time.