Concern as elderly man killed by stray buffalo in Voi
A man died after an attack by a buffalo in Voi on Monday morning, highlighting the human-wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta County.
Richard Mwawasi died in the incident which occurred around 7am in the Riflot area.
“Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at Moi County Referral Hospital,” said Voi Sub County police commander Ibrahim Dafalla.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by communities near Tsavo National Park.
Proximity to the park has seen residents in the lowlands parts of Taita Taveta County predominantly Voi, Mwatate and parts of Wundanyi suffer recurrent attacks by wildlife.
Ruto’s pledge
In Voi and Mwatate, some neighbourhoods are adjacent to the parks, exposing residents to frequent attacks by animals.
Residents who witnessed the Monday incident said Mwawasi, 60, was on his way home from a shop when the beast attacked him. They revealed that Mwawasi had hearing problem.
The tragic event follows President William Ruto’s recent launch of a compensation scheme for human-wildlife conflict victims.
He disclosed that compensation claims for the period 2014-2023 amounted to Sh7 billion, with Sh4 billion already paid.
He pledged that the remaining Sh3 billion would be disbursed within 60 days.
