Gachagua addresses menace of hyena attacks to Juja residents
In recent months, the peaceful neighborhoods of Juja in Kiambu County have faced a growing threat, the hyenas.
These wild animals, once confined to the wilderness, now roam the streets, causing fear and anxiety among residents.
The situation escalated when a 52-year-old woman lost her life to a hyena attack, prompting urgent action from local authorities. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to tackle this issue head-on, during Juja MP George Koimburi’s daughter’s wedding. But, the root causes and potential solutions remain a topic of debate.
The Government will track and capture hyenas that have been prowling Juja estates, Kiambu County, mauling people and causing anxiety, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
Gachagua on Saturday said the Government will dispatch a team of security personnel to the area to drive out the wild animals and address the menace following cases of increased attacks.
He has attributed the surge in hyena attacks to abandoned quarries. The disused mining sites have become ideal breeding grounds and hiding places for the animals. The rugged terrain and overgrown vegetation provide hyenas with shelter, allowing them to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting victims.
"We have gathered from KWS Director-General that the problem of hyenas in Juja is also the abandoned quarry sites. The death incidents are worrisome. We are sending a team to capture the hyenas and relocate them so that they do not become a menace. The quarries are also a security threat and can be breeding area for mosquitoes," Gachagua spoke at the wedding ceremony of Paul Wetosi and Jacinta Wanjiru, daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi, at the Juja Preparatory School grounds.
He was responding to Juja MP George Koimburi's plea for the Government's intervention after a 52-year-old woman was mauled to death by a hyena recently. Mr Koimburi said that in the past five months the wild animals have killed several people, including children.
Local leaders, including Juja MP George Koimburi, however, strongly opposed a proposed Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) camp in the area. They argue that turning Juja into a game park is not a viable solution. Instead, they demand immediate action to prevent further attacks. Residents Martin Ngugi and Jane Gichuki share their harrowing encounters with hyenas, emphasizing the need for better management and protection measures. The KWS has already translocated 12 hyenas, but the community insists on further government intervention.
In response to the crisis, the government has pledged action. A team of security personnel will be dispatched to Juja to track down and capture the hyenas. The goal is to relocate them away from residential areas, ensuring they no longer pose a danger to human lives. However, this task is not without challenges. Hyenas are elusive creatures, and their nocturnal habits make tracking them a complex endeavor. Nevertheless, the government remains committed to safeguarding its citizens.
Juja NOW faces a dual challenge: protecting its residents from hyena attacks while preserving its identity as a thriving community. With government intervention, community cooperation, and a commitment to safety, Juja can reclaim its peace and tranquility.
