This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Kenya: Lions Invade Manda-Maweni Village in Lamu, Kill Livestock ¶
Published on September 2, 2019
Residents of Manda-Maweni village in Lamu West are living in fear after three lions invaded their village, killing ten goats and two donkeys.
The lions, which have been spotted in the village for the past three weeks, have been causing panic among the residents, who are now pleading with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to intervene and chase them away.
According to Bernard Nyachae, the headman of Manda-Maweni, the lions descended on the village two weeks ago and killed ten goats. Last week, a donkey was also attacked and killed by the carnivores.
"At around 4am, the lions invaded our village and killed a donkey. Two weeks ago, the same lions descended on our village and killed ten goats. Last week, a donkey was killed here. That's enough indication that we're living with the dangerous carnivores with us here. We've been asking KWS to come and help us drive the lions away from our village but nothing has so far materialised," said Mr Nyachae.
Johnson Kamau, a villager who has lived in Manda for the past 10 years, said they will starve if KWS will not hurry and chase the big cats out of their village.
"The KWS should promptly act on this. Lions are endangering our lives here. We've already lost many goats and donkeys including today. We can't go to work anymore for fear of attacks by the carnivores. We'll starve if things go this way. Let this matter be put to rest," pleaded Mr Kamau.
Mathias Mwavita, the Lamu County KWS Senior Warden, confirmed the presence of the lions roaming Manda area and said rangers have been dispatched to the village to immobilise the carnivores on sight and have them transferred back to the Boni-Dodori Reserve.
"It's true. There are lions on the loose in Manda. I am told they've killed a donkey today at dawn. These lions gained access to the village after they swam across the Indian Ocean using the Mkanda channel during low tide," said Mr Mwavita.
