By Bernard Gitau
A herder has been killed at Yakalicha area inside Tsavo East National Park during a confrontation with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.
The incident took place during a routine security patrol when KWS officers encountered a group of over 30 armed herders who had illegally entered the park.
According to a statement released by KWS, the herders allegedly attacked the officers with poisoned arrows and displayed aggressive behavior. Sadly, one herder lost his life during the incident.
This incident sheds light on the escalating hostility along the north-eastern boundary of Tsavo East National Park over the past year. KWS claims that politicians have incited the local community to invade and settle within the park illegally under false promises of land acquisition.
The wildlife agency says the incitements have led to various illegal activities within the park, including the construction of makeshift settlements, armed herding of livestock in protected areas, displacement of wildlife, poaching, bush meat trade, wildlife deaths, arson, and severe environmental degradation.
