Residents living in fear as KWS intensifies search for stray lion

Sergoit residents in Moiben are living in fear after a stray lion killed livestock in the area leaving farmers counting losses.

A resident, Joseph Chumba, said that they initially suspected cows to have been killed by dogs.

However, on Saturday morning at around 4am, Benjamin Kibor said he managed to identify the wild animal after incessant barking by his dogs.

“When I opened the door, the dog rushed into the sitting room and I was able to spot a huge animal crossing the compound heading to the bushes,” he narrated.

Kibor said he feared for his life after realising it was something that was even his dog was afraid of. “When I woke up in the mornin, I spotted the same animal. It was a lion crossing 50 meters from my house,” he said.

Moiben chief Alexander Sittuk claimed that since the news of existence of a dangerous animal in Sergoit area, villagers have been living in constant fear.

“Women are no longer fetching firewood in the bush and even business centers in the evening are deserted,” said Mr. Sittuk.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) warden John Ngalia said that they are working to locate the animal in the area and already laid a trap to capture it.

“We went round observing its movements guided by the locals and confirmed that it is a lion,” said Mr. Ngalia who is in charge of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet County.

He said that the wild animal was also spotted in Eldama Ravine three weeks ago claiming to have escaped from the Laikipia Wildlife Reserve.

Mr. Ngalia urged the locals to keep off Kruger Farm to avoid interfering with the animal's movement from where the trap is set.