Wajir South legislator Mohamed Adow has strongly condemned the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for what he termed as the secret and unlawful relocation of two orphaned Somali giraffes from Wajir County to a private sanctuary in Nanyuki.
The two young giraffes, who reportedly lost their mother, had been under the care of local community members and conservation volunteers.
However, according to the lawmaker, KWS removed the animals without prior consultation or consent from local authorities and conservation stakeholders.
Adow described the act as a violation of community rights, conservation ethics, and the spirit of devolution.
“No stakeholder was engaged in this decision — not local leaders, conservation experts, or the communities who have been on the frontline of wildlife protection,” Adow said on Tuesday.
“This act undermines trust and disregards the essential role that communities play in safeguarding wildlife.”
The legislator demanded the immediate return of the giraffes to Wajir County and called for full transparency and accountability from KWS regarding the relocation process and the involvement of any private entities.
He also called for a moratorium on future wildlife translocations from Northern Kenya without formal consultation and consent from the affected counties and communities.
“This is not conservation — it is betrayal,” Adow said.
“True conservation must be community-centered, transparent, and lawful.
Our people have shown unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife in harsh and challenging conditions. We will continue to do so, but we will not allow our wildlife to be removed for the benefit of others.
He further urged KWS to develop an inclusive wildlife management framework that recognizes community ownership, participation, and benefit-sharing.
“We say: enough is enough. KWS must respect the law, respect our communities, and return the giraffes to their rightful home,” Adow added.
