Residents of Kiamugumo village in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, are calling on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to capture a hyena that recently attacked four people.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the animal, wandering in the area, targeted four women who were picking tea on their farms.
David Muriithi, leading the concerned residents, highlighted the fear gripping the village, stating, “We are living in fear of even taking our children to Kiamugumo and Ngariama Primary Schools.”
The four women attacked have been identified as Susana Wawira, Marion Wawira, Toronto Macharia, and Sicily Murugi.
They were promptly taken to local private hospitals at Githure shopping center for treatment.
Expressing their concern, Susana Wawira emphasized the urgency of capturing the hyena, citing the presence of an electric wire in Mt Kenya forest.
She urged KWS to take action, stating, “There is already an electric wire in Mt Kenya forest, and now we are calling on KWS to capture the hyena as it is attacking everybody in the village.”
Marion Wawira recounted her encounter, explaining that the hyena attacked her from behind.
Fortunately, a passing man intervened and assisted her.
Marion expressed fear for the safety of children going to school early in the morning, saying, “We are afraid our children who leave very early in the morning to go to school might fall prey to the wild animals.”
David Muriithi, leading the residents, expressed dissatisfaction with the advice provided by Kenya Wildlife Service on avoiding hyena attacks.
He questioned the practicality of talking to hyenas, stating, “How can you talk with a hyena? Is it a human being? They are joking with hyenas near Mt Kenya forest.”
The community is now urging swift action to address the hyena issue and ensure the safety of residents, especially children traveling to school.
