A somber mood engulfed Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary as family, friends, and residents of Chakama Sub-Location gathered to witness the postmortem of a man killed in a tragic elephant attack in Bombi area, Kilifi County.
The deceased, identified as Juma Ali Abarufa, was a herdsman who had taken his animals out to graze when he was reportedly trampled by marauding elephants believed to have strayed from nearby Tsavo West National Park.
Speaking to journalists, local youth leader Hassan Galgalo described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that residents of Bombi and Chakama continue to live in fear due to frequent invasions by elephants.
“It is painful that our people are still losing their lives because of wild animals. Juma was only trying to earn a living by looking after his livestock. The government must act fast to end this human–wildlife conflict,” said Galgalo.
He explained that the ongoing drought has worsened the situation, forcing elephants to move out of the park in search of water and food, leading them into villages, farms, and grazing fields.
“Both humans and wildlife are suffering because of drought. But the solution is not for elephants to invade our homes. There must be enough water and food resources inside the park so animals don’t come to our villages,” he added.
Residents accused the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of slow response whenever elephants invade the area. They claim that despite making distress calls, officers often arrive late or fail to drive the animals back into the park.
They are now demanding the construction of more water pans and dams inside Tsavo West National Park to ensure wildlife remains within protected areas.
Another resident, Yaku Mohamud, said the community feels abandoned.
“To date, more than seven people have allegedly lost their lives in these attacks. As pastoralists, we have not taken the law into our own hands by killing the animals, but the authorities seem overwhelmed and unable to control the situation,” he said.
The brother to the deceased, Hassan Garso, painfully narrated that Juma had left home that morning like any other day, unaware it would be his last.
“He went out with his animals and never came back alive. We want justice for our brother. Even after the incident, the elephants are still roaming in the villages,” he said.
Although KWS officers visited the scene, residents say the elephants are yet to be fully driven back to the park, leaving the community in fear.
As the family prepares to lay Juma to rest, villagers are calling on the government, KWS, and all relevant agencies to urgently intervene, warning that unless long-term solutions are implemented, more lives could be lost to the growing human–wildlife conflict in Kilifi County.
