A middle-aged man has sustained serious injuries after he was attacked by an elephant in Yumbuni area of Ivingoni, Nzambani Ward, Kibwezi East Constituency in Makueni County.
Witnesses said the man was on his way to the market when he encountered a herd of elephants. One of the elephants reportedly attacked him, leaving him with serious injuries, including broken limbs.
The victim was rescued and rushed to Kambu Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, who say several elephants have been roaming in the area.
Residents are now calling on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to take urgent action and drive the animals away from the area, saying their presence poses a threat to human safety and livelihoods.
Human-wildlife conflict has been a persistent challenge in parts of Kibwezi East.
In May 2024, the Makueni County Government announced a partnership with KWS to extend an electric fence in Kibwezi East as part of efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
The county said the 20-kilometre extension of the Wandei-Ngomano electric fence was intended to create a buffer between Tsavo East National Park and neighbouring communities.
The project was also expected to extend the existing 60-kilometre Kamunyu-Wandei fence and help reduce incidents involving marauding wildlife, particularly elephants.
In October 2023, the Makueni County Government also announced a series of interventions to address human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi, including rapid response measures, enhanced surveillance and electric fencing.
The measures followed engagements involving national and county government officials, KWS representatives and local leaders.
The Kenya National Elephant Action Plan 2023–2032 identifies human-elephant conflict as a significant conservation and community challenge in areas where people and elephants share or live near the same landscapes.
The latest incident has renewed concerns among residents of Yumbuni and surrounding areas over the movement of elephants near communities.
Residents are calling for intervention to prevent further encounters between people and the animals.