- At least three people were killed and nine others badly injured by wild animals last year.
- Orahle, however, said the elephants escaped from the Tsavo national park due to the effects of drought in search of food and water.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
Kenya Wildlife Services has advised Kwale residents to exercise caution as cases of human-wildlife conflict have increased.
According to county senior warden officer Jacob Orahle, rogue elephants have been disturbing residents in Lunga-Lunga, Kinango and Samburu areas.
At least three people were killed and nine others badly injured by wild animals last year.
Orahle confirmed that several people have been hurt and are receiving treatment in various hospitals.
"We already have cases of residents harmed by elephants," he said.
His statement comes barely a week after some residents and activists raised an alarm over swelling animal attacks.
The cases were reported in Godo, Masinga, babarani, Ndavaya, kuranze among other areas.
Residents complained that the elephants had caused massive destruction to their crops and crippled their economy.
According to Kwale activist Mohammed Mwakuyala, the elephants also invade homesteads threatening the well-being of human life.
He said farmers have since abandoned their farms fearing the constant invasions.
Last week, a middle-aged man was attacked and severely hurt by elephants at Godo in Lunga-Lunga. He was rushed to Msambweni subcounty hospital for treatment.
In July Ndavaya ward MCA Juma Masudi Ngando decried increased wildlife raids following the rising number of residents injured by elephants.
The ward rep also reported that more than 20 farmers have incurred losses due to the invasions and demanded that KWS takes action.
Orahle, however, said the elephants escaped from the Tsavo national park due to the effects of drought in search of food and water.
The officer said they are working around the clock to contain the elephants.
"We have deployed enough officers on the ground to quell the situation," he said.
But Mwakuyala accused the KWS officers of poor response and alleged that some of the officers are reluctant to help affected victims but are quick to defend the animals.
However, Orahle denied the allegations and asked residents to enhance cooperation in curbing human-wildlife conflict.
He urged them to make timely reports and pass accurate information for quick response and intervention.
"I would like to call on the residents to be extra-careful and report any cases for swift action," he said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)