One dead as armed herders clash with KWS in Tsavo East

Fatal clash at Tsavo East National Park prompts heightened security and community action by KWS. [Standard, File]

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has called for heightened security and community engagement after one herder died during a confrontation with armed herders at Tsavo East National Park.

The incident occurred on Sunday, December 29. In a statement on Monday, KWS said the herders, who had illegally entered the park, attacked officers with poisoned arrows, resulting in one fatality.

"KWS regrets the incident and extends condolences to the family of the deceased herder," KWS said, noting its historically positive relationship with the Kone community.

The confrontation took place 16 kilometres inside the park at Yakalicha.

An officer narrowly escaped being struck by a poisoned arrow that hit their firearm.

The incident has been recorded with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Mutomo in Kitui and Garsen, Tana River County, with crime scene investigation teams already working to establish the circumstances surrounding the event.

"KWS strongly condemns armed incursions into protected areas and urges communities to respect wildlife conservation zones," the Service said, warning that illegal entry constitutes a criminal offence under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.

Over the past year, KWS has faced rising hostility along the north-eastern boundary of Tsavo East National Park.

The Service blamed incitement by area leaders, who, it claims, encouraged illegal settlements and livestock herding in the park, leading to poaching, environmental degradation and increased security threats.

The hostility intensified in November when a police station was burned and a KWS base in Kalalani, South Kitui National Reserve, was displaced.