A deadly confrontation occurred on the evening of Sunday, December 29, 2024, between Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers and a group of herders inside Tsavo East National Park. The altercation unfolded after KWS officers conducting a routine patrol in the park encountered approximately 30 herders who had illegally entered the park. The situation escalated when the herders, reportedly armed with poisoned arrows, became hostile and attacked the officers.
In response, the KWS rangers fought back, resulting in the fatal injury of one herder. Additionally, one officer narrowly escaped death after being struck by a poisoned arrow. KWS expressed condolences to the family of the deceased herder and acknowledged the historically harmonious relationship between the KWS and the Kone community from which the herders originated. The incident has been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for further investigation.
Tensions between the KWS and local communities, particularly in the Tana Delta Sub-County, have been building for months, primarily over disputes regarding grazing land and water access. The situation has been exacerbated by claims that some local politicians, including Garsen Constituency MP Guyo Ali Wario, have incited the community against KWS officers, with allegations of misleading promises regarding land rights.
The conflict is rooted in longstanding issues between the KWS and the local population, especially in areas like Asa-Kone village, which borders the Tsavo East National Reserve. There have been claims of unjust detentions of community members by KWS rangers, fueling resentment. In August 2024, MP Wario called for peaceful dialogue and government intervention to address the grievances, including compensation for the affected residents. The situation remains complex, with both sides experiencing significant strain in their interactions.
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