KWS links Garsen MP to illegal invasions into Tsavo East National Park

Section of Tsavo East National Park. Photo/KWS

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By Peter K'opiyo 

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has raised an alarm over what poses a major threat to the protection of the country's prestigious heritage.

In its press release, KWS has stated that it has been encountering hostility with the locals, making it difficult to protect wildlife within the Tsavo East National Park.

"Over the past year, KWS has faced increasing hostility along the North-Eastern boundary of Tsavo East National Park. Unfortunately, a section of the local community has been incited by the Member of Parliament for Garsen Constituency, Guyo Ali Wario, to illegally invade and settle within the park with false promises of acquiring land," revealed KWS.

"The Service strongly condemns the continued incitement by Guyo Ali Wario, which has escalated tensions and contributed to the unfortunate incident at Yakalicha. KWS urges all communities to respect protected areas and work collaboratively to ensure the safety of wildlife, park personnel, and local residents," maintained the service. 

As a result of the conflicts, KWS added that operating within the region has been an uphill task since some of their security bases have been distorted and others torched, illegal construction of makeshift tents within the park as well as increase in poaching, and severe environmental degradation.

In November 2024, such hostility culminated in the burning of a police station and the displacement of a KWS security base at Kalalani inside South Kitui National Reserve.

This act compromised public safety, property security, and wildlife protection.

On Sunday, December 29th, 2024, KWS wardens engaged in a fierce confrontation with herders believed to be illegal intruders.

"In the ensuing confrontation, the herders attacked the KWS officers with poisoned arrows and advanced aggressively. Regrettably, one herder was fatally injured during the incident and one officer escaped by a whisker from being shot with a poisoned arrow that stuck on his firearm," disclosed KWS as it conveyed condolences to the family of one of the 30 herders who was fatally injured.

Illegal entry into the National Parks countrywide amounts to a criminal offense under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap 376.

According to the Act, armed incursions into wildlife-protected areas are provocative and pose a serious risk to both law enforcers and the public.

KWS however affirmed its commitment and dedication to serve communities by engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, in collaborations with local authorities and local leaders.