Residents of Lagdera subcounty in Garissa are living in fear after several wild animal attacks that have left multiple people injured. On September 2, a stray elephant killed Khalif Jellow in Togdub sublocation and also killed several goats and sheep. A week later, two stray lions were spotted near settlements and grazing areas in Modogashe and Ilan, causing widespread panic.
The most recent incident occurred when two elephants attacked and injured two men, Hassan Ibrahim, 29, and Mohamed Ibrahim, 31, near Serbi, 3 km from Modogashe town. The two are currently receiving treatment at Modogashe Subcounty hospital. The wild animals are believed to have wandered from Meru National Park.
Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein expressed concern over the frequent wildlife attacks, saying that despite calls for Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to intervene, nothing has been done. He warned that the situation may force residents to defend themselves if action is not taken soon. The MP urged KWS to set up patrols along the park’s border to prevent further incidents.
Residents, including elder Abdi Mohamed, fear for their safety, as wild animals, which used to primarily attack livestock, are now targeting people. One of the victims, Hassan Ibrahim, recounted how he was charged by elephants while tending to his animals, barely surviving the attack.
