Residents of the Olokyin Sub-location in Bomet East are living in fear and despair following a series of attacks by stray animals believed to be hyenas and leopards that have claimed dozens of livestock over the past week.
The situation escalated dramatically when the wild animals killed numerous goats, amplifying the residents' distress.
Area assistant chief Paul Ng'enoh said more than five farmers have lost more than 15 goats across their homesteads in August due to the attacks.
In response to the escalating crisis, Ng'enoh has called for patience from the local community as Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers have taken charge of the operation to trap the marauding.
“Many farmers in my jurisdiction have suffered immeasurable losses due to these wild animal attacks, which we suspect are caused by hyenas or a leopard," Ng'enoh said.
"I urge everyone to remain patient while KWS officers set up their traps."
Despite efforts to alert the KWS before the recent mass attacks, the response was delayed.
The KWS only mobilised a week later, with additional support from officers at Kapolwo Station in Narok County.
“For the past two weeks, since the initial incidents were reported at Ndabibi village, our administration has been raising alarms, but no action was taken until today,” Ng'enoh said.
Richard Chebojok, one of the affected farmers, expressed frustration over the delayed response.
He implored KWS to expedite their efforts in tracing and hunting down the wild animals to prevent further losses.
“KWS should operate 24/7. If they had acted swiftly on the first day, we wouldn’t be in this situation."
"I am now left with only two goats out of ten, which I needed to sell to pay my children’s school fees,” Chebojok said.
Prasisca Chebet, who lost her entire flock two weeks ago called for compensation from the KWS. As a single mother, she described the loss of her livestock as devastating.
“I am deeply distressed. This was my only investment, recovering from this setback will be extremely challenging.
"I urge the government and any responsible bodies to intervene and consider compensating me,” Chebet pleaded.
