Residents in Kiambu County are grieving the tragic death of Nancy Njoki, a food vendor who was killed by hyenas at Juja South Estate.
The attack occurred around 6 a.m. as Njoki was walking to her kiosk.
The hyenas inflicted severe injuries on her head, torso, and legs before dragging her into a thicket where they consumed her.
Hellen Mukami and Allan Mburu, who are leading the community in mourning, described Njoki as a hardworking vendor who served construction sites throughout the village.
Mukami expressed profound sadness, highlighting the intense suffering Njoki endured before her death.
Despite ongoing efforts by Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) and other authorities to manage the hyena problem, the animals continue to pose a serious threat to the local community.
Residents are frustrated with local leaders, accusing them of acting too slowly in removing the hyenas from the area.
Mukami criticized the lack of prompt action, pointing out that this is not the first tragic incident involving hyenas.
Earlier this year, a 10-year-old boy named Dennis Teya was killed by hyenas in a neighboring village. Additionally, locals have reported numerous instances of livestock being preyed upon by these animals.
The community is particularly concerned about the safety of their children as schools are set to reopen in two weeks.
The hyenas remain active early in the morning, posing a danger to children on their way to school.
Residents are calling for a KWS camp to be established in their village to address the hyena threat effectively.
Many locals believe that unfilled quarries and overgrown bushes are contributing to the problem, as these areas provide hiding spots for the hyenas.
Mburu, a local boda boda operator, mentioned that he has frequently seen the hyenas early in the morning, further raising concerns about the safety of the community.
In response to these issues, the residents are demanding immediate action to protect their homes and ensure the safety of their families.
They are urging both local authorities and KWS to take decisive steps to control the hyena population and prevent further tragedies.