NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed the death of one person who was shot dead by its officers after “illegally invading” the Tsavo East National Park.
The deceased, according to KWS, was among a group of over 30 armed herders who had illegally entered the park on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
The incident, which KWS has termed unfortunate, happened at Yakalicha, 16 kilometres inside Tsavo East National Park.
“During a routine security patrol, KWS officers encountered the herders. In the ensuing confrontation, the herders attacked the KWS officers with poisoned arrows and advanced aggressively,” reads a statement from KWS Corporate Communications.
“Regrettably, one herder was fatally injured during the incident, and one officer escaped by a whisker from being shot with a poisoned arrow that stuck on the firearm.”
Why KWS regretted the incident
KWS extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased herder while expressing regrets for the incident, “especially given the historically harmonious relationship between the service and the Kone community.”
According to the statement, the incident has been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Mutomo, Kitui County, and Garsen, Tana River County.
“Crime scene investigation teams are already at work to establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. KWS is cooperating fully with the DCI in their investigations,” the statement further reads.
Over the past year, KWS said it had faced increasing hostility along the northeastern boundary of Tsavo East National Park.
“Unfortunately, a section of the local community has been incited by the Member of Parliament of Garsen, Guyo Ali Wario, to illegally invade and settle within the park with false promises of acquiring land.”
What the invasion of the park means
This incident, KWS disclosed, has led to the illegal construction of makeshift settlements within the park, armed herding of thousands of livestock in protected areas, displacement of wildlife, poaching, bushmeat trade, wildlife deaths, arson, and severe environmental degradation.
In November 2024, KS revealed that such hostility culminated in the burning of a police station and the displacement of a KWS security base at Kalalani inside South Kitui National Reserve. This act compromised public safety, property security, and wildlife protection.
“Despite these challenges, KWS remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence. The service has engaged the local community through barazas (community meetings) involving elders, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), and local leaders. These efforts have yielded positive outcomes, including improved relations and calmness.”
How KWS has empowered the Kone people
In response to community needs, KWS further said it has undertaken several Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including drilling a borehole to provide water for the local communities and their livestock and constructing classrooms to enhance educational facilities for the park-adjacent Kone community.
“KWS reiterates that illegal entry into national parks constitutes a criminal offence under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap 376. Armed incursions into wildlife-protected areas are particularly provocative and pose serious risks to both law enforcement officers and the public.”
The service reiterated that it strongly condemns Hon. Guyo Ali Wario’s continued incitement, which the state agency observed has escalated tensions and contributed to the unfortunate incident at Yakalicha.
KWS urged all communities to respect protected areas and work collaboratively to ensure the safety of wildlife, park personnel, and residents.
“We remain committed to conserving Kenya’s wildlife heritage while promoting peaceful coexistence with communities neighbouring our parks.”
