Wild animals attack and kill three people in separate incidents

At least three people were killed in separate attacks in the country.

Police and Kenya Wildlife Service officials said the incidents were reported on January 26, 2026 and they were under investigation.

The first incident happened in Gamba area, Tana River where one Paul Akale, 65 was gouged by a buffalo on his farm.

The man had gone to fetch poles from his farm when the buffalo attacked him fatally.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending other procedures.

In Witu area, Lamu County, a hippopotamus attacked and killed Ali Kofa, 67 as he went to fetch water from Ziwa La Witu area.

The animal escaped the scene after the murder. The body was retrieved by police, locals and KWS officials and taken to the mortuary.

Locals complained about the dangers posed by the animals and called for their relocation.

In Kendu Bay, Homa Bay County, a crocodile killed a man as he was bathing at the shores of Lake Victoria.

The police said the incident happened at Awana beach and left one Raymond Otieno dead. The incident was the second one to happen in a week in the area.

The bodies of the victims were moved to the mortuary pending other procedures. Locals have been threatening to hunt and kill the crocodiles.

The families of the victims were advised to file a claim for compensation.

Officials link the killings to the rising human-wildlife conflict.

In May 2025, Kenya introduced the third phase of its Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing these incidents and supporting affected families.

During its launch at Meru National Park, President William Ruto unveiled the innovative Wildlife Conservation Card, a new tool designed to help fund conservation efforts.

“Compensation is justice, but prevention is progress,” Ruto said, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions that benefit both people and wildlife.

“Through the Conservation Card, fencing, and community‑led tourism, we are turning conflict into opportunity,” he added.

Developed in partnership with KCB Bank, the Wildlife Conservation Card is available in three tiers—Platinum (Elephant), Gold (Lion), and Silver (Cheetah).

A portion of every transaction made with the card (Sh10, Sh5, and Sh3, respectively) goes directly to the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund.

The initiative aims to enable Kenyans and international supporters to contribute to wildlife conservation while fostering economic benefits for local communities.