Residents of Gichobo Location in Lare Ward, Njoro Constituency, Nakuru County, are reeling from a devastating incident where a 14-year-old boy, identified as Joseph Mwangi, was fatally attacked by stray hyenas believed to have come from the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park.
Joseph’s mother, Peris Wangui Mwangi, shared her heartbreak with local media, recounting the last moments she spent with her son. He had visited her at work on July 18, and after a warm lunch and conversation, she urged him to stay home. Tragically, Joseph went missing that evening, prompting a frantic search by family and neighbors.
The search intensified over the following days. On July 26, a villager harvesting beans stumbled upon Joseph’s clothes in a maize field. The discovery led to a horrifying trail of evidence, including torn garments and eventually human remains, confirming the worst fears of the community.
This incident is the latest in a string of hyena attacks in the region. Locals report frequent sightings of the animals straying from the park into residential areas, especially in Naishi, a known hotspot for such encounters. Some residents have lost livestock, while others have had close calls with the predators.
Community leaders and residents are now demanding urgent intervention from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Area Chief Lewis Mwangi confirmed the tragedy and emphasized the need for increased patrols and containment measures to prevent further loss of life.
Even as the community mourned Joseph, another hyena was spotted chasing children nearby, underscoring the immediate danger. Parents and guardians are now afraid to let their children walk to school, and many are calling for relocation of the animals or fencing of the park boundaries.
This heartbreaking event has not only shattered a family but also reignited concerns over human-wildlife conflict in Kenya’s park-adjacent communities. As Njoro residents grapple with grief and fear, the hope remains that authorities will act swiftly to ensure safety and justice.
