The Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG) wants the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to expedite the creation of a grazing corridor in Yakaliche Village, Garsen Constituency to resolve the raging human-wildlife conflict.
The legislators marched to the Coast Region Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Offices in Mombasa to present a protest letter following the murder of an elder- Issack Jarso Delo on 29th December 2024 in the village by a KWS personnel.
They said according to eyewitness reports, the elder was killed in his homestead in front of his family members and not in the Tsavo East National Park as purported by KWS.
The MPs noted that the lack of corridors to allow herders to take their livestock for pasture and water in the Park has exacerbated the conflict as herders endure harassment and confiscation of their livestock by KWS.
They further urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to hasten the investigation for the culprit to be charged with murder. They also want KWS to compensate the deceased family.
CPG Secretary General and Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza condemn the killing of the elder in front of his family.
He accused the Director General of KWS of not heeding the Head of State’s call for harmonious coexistence between the community and wildlife when he visited Tana River.
“Most of the time water scarcity is the big challenge herders want to take their livestock in parks. The President ordered KWS to create corridors for the livestock to get water. Livestock is one of the country’s resources and a source of livelihood for our people,” said Tandaza.
He wondered why the DCI was dragging their feet in the case yet the person who killed the elder was known and villagers had written statements.
Tandaza noted that a similar case happened in Kwale but the Officer involved was interdicted instead of undergoing trial to serve as a deterrence measure.
On his part, Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki defended Garsen MP Ali Wario against incitement accusations by KWS.
“He has been singled out and accused of inciting the community, but when he addresses issues affecting his constituents it is his responsibility as MP,” said Faki.
However, in its press release posted on X (Formerly Twitter) on 30th December 2024, KWS had accused the MP of inciting a section of the community “to illegally invade within the park with the promises of acquiring land.’’
He lauded the DCI for confiscating all 23 guns from KWS for ballistic examinations in Nairobi, but wanted the Officer involved to be charged and the family to get justice.
“Saying that I am inciting let my representation be incitement. The President issued a directive 15 Kilometers from where the elder was killed for KWS to implement a grazing corridor they have not acted. I even presented a statement to the National Assembly Wildlife Committee and they promised to visit but it has not happened,” stated Wario.
Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba noted that guns should be used to deal with poachers, not pastoralists. He also advised KWS to mark park boundaries to avoid conflicts with the community.
“Even wildlife if for instance a stray elephant a seductive ammo is used before it is returned to the park. How do you shoot a human being, on 29th December the family of the killed elder was mourning instead of celebrating,” stated Bedzimba.
He added that some KWS wardens should undergo a refresher course to know their responsibilities.
KWS Senior Warden for Coast Conservation area Vincent Ongwae said when he received the letter that they want to work with the community living adjacent to parks. He exuded confidence that the matter will be resolved on time.
“We have a dedicated strategic plan that addresses these kinds of issues. I am sure we are going to work with you leaders in focusing on building resilient ecosystems. We are going to ensure we address this matter amicably, steadfastly and professional,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
