Residents near Sholinke Trading Area, Kajiado, have been urged to remain calm, keep children indoors, and avoid the area after two lionesses from Nairobi National Park were sighted about 8.3 km from the park boundary.
In a statement issued on January 7, 2025, the Kenya Wildlife Service has asked the public to report any sightings via Toll Free 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610 509.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers are on site, while veterinary teams are en route to safely dart, capture, and relocate the animals.
"KWS rangers are on site, and veterinary teams are en route to safely dart, capture, and relocate the lionesses," KWS said in a statement.
KWS emphasized that public safety is the top priority, and the operation is ongoing to ensure both the community and the lionesses remain unharmed.
The latest coordinates of the lionesses are 37 M 261961 UTM 9834651, and KWS teams continue to actively manage the situation. Residents are advised to follow official updates and cooperate with wildlife authorities until the lionesses are safely returned to the park.
Sightings of wild animals, particularly lions and hyenas, in public areas around Nairobi and neighboring counties such as Rongai have become increasingly frequent.
In March last year, CCTV footage captured a lioness roaming a residential neighborhood in Rongai, sparking fear among local residents.
The video that circulated online showed the lioness approaching the gate of a well-secured compound before climbing onto the concrete wall supporting the metal gate.
More to follow...
