Anger As Police Shoot Dead 4 In Masimba Following Protests Over Increased Human-Wildlife Conflict

KAJIADO,Kenya,Jun, 3 – A sombre mood has engulfed Masimba ward, in Kajiado county after four people were allegedly shot dead by police amidst protests over increased cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area.

According to preliminary reports, the four were gunned down during the demonstrations at the Masimba trading Center with police said to have opened fire at the protesters.

Health officials at the Makindu hospital meanwhile said that seven other people have been admitted and are receiving treatment following the Thursday incident.

Residents told Shahidi News that the protests ensued after a teacher was allegedly killed by an elephant and though several efforts had been made to address the issue through relevant authorities little or no action was taken.

Mashuru police boss Charles Chepkong’a confirmed the demise of the four people. 

“Three were killed at the scene while the fourth died in hospital,” said police.

In recent months residents have protested to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) over the increased cases of human-wildlife conflict that has also resulted in the damage of property.

“I ran into a violent demonstration at Masimba near Kiboko. We escaped narrowly after stones were hurled indiscriminately at my vehicle. Motorists should avoid that section of Mombasa Road,” said Senator Mutula Kilonzo while noticing the priests on Thursday.

Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku condemned the incident and called for the immediate arrest of the officers involved in the incident.

“I pass my condolences to the families of the four people who have been shot dead at Masimba, along the Nairobi- Mombasa highway, during picketing over the increased killing of people by wildlife in Kajiado East,” said Lenku.

The protests resulted in a major traffic snarl-up along the major highway.

KWS is said to have established a taskforce to address the cases of Human-Wildlife conflict and though some victims have received compensation and even safety precautions taken to avert future incidents, many are still said to be suffering.