MWATATE, Kenya – A 48-year-old herdsman has been killed by an elephant at Mwananchi Ranch in Mwatate, highlighting the persistent danger faced by communities living near wildlife corridors in southern Kenya.
Police identified the deceased as Hassan Hoshow, who was grazing cattle inside the ranch when the elephant attacked him.
Officers said the animal knocked him to the ground before trampling him, causing multiple fractures that led to his death.
The elephant reportedly left the area soon after the incident. Hoshow’s body was later discovered by fellow herders, who alerted local authorities.
Police processed the scene before transferring the body to a mortuary.
Authorities have advised the victim’s family to follow government procedures to seek compensation under the Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme, which covers deaths and injuries caused by wild animals.
A recurring threat
Taita Taveta County has long struggled with human–wildlife conflict, particularly in areas bordering Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks.
Ranches and grazing lands around Mwatate sit along established elephant migration routes, making encounters with herders and farmers increasingly common.
Wildlife officers say elephants frequently stray from protected areas during dry seasons in search of water and pasture, bringing them into close contact with nearby communities.
Herders, who spend extended periods in open grazing fields, are among the most vulnerable.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over crop destruction, livestock losses and attacks on people, often citing delayed response times due to the remoteness of affected areas.
In May 2025, the government rolled out the third phase of the Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme, aimed at supporting families affected by such incidents.
While authorities say mitigation measures are ongoing, challenges remain due to difficult terrain and limited resources.
The latest fatality adds to growing anxiety among residents living near wildlife corridors, as deadly encounters involving elephants continue to be reported across the county.
