This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, a tragic incident unfolded in Mogotio, Baringo County, where Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers shot and killed an elephant.
The elephant, part of a 21-strong herd, had wandered into a maize plantation in the area, following its traditional migratory route. According to KWS, the officers were attempting to flush the herd out when the elephants charged, prompting the officers to shoot.
However, eyewitness accounts and investigations suggest that the KWS officers may have acted prematurely, sparking widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
Just last month, a person lost their life in the same area after being attacked by elephants. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of KWS's conservation efforts and the need for more humane approaches to managing wildlife.
