The President said he was forced to seek help from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), while calling for a lasting answer to the problem facing communities living near Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks.
By Maureen KinyanjuiIn a statement on Saturday, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said field investigations, laboratory tests and environmental sampling had been conducted, with preliminary results pointing to the “probable involvement of a toxic substance”.
By David AbonyoKWS Director General Erustus Kanga said the Pest Control Products Board has been tasked with leading the technical investigation because it regulates pesticides used across the country.
By Maureen KinyanjuiAccording to the UGM Party, the dead animals comprised one adult male elephant, nine female elephants and their calves. Preliminary investigations are said to point to the ingestion of cyanide-contaminated tomatoes, possibly linked to the use of highly toxic agricultural pesticides on nearby farms.
By Bradley BosireKWS said the deaths occurred between June 24 and July 24, with 10 of the elephants displaying the same symptoms before they died. The agency said the affected animals developed partial paralysis, leaving them unable to stand before dying within one to two days.
By Maureen KinyanjuiFamous for his immense, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence, Craig was widely admired as a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage and a symbol of what successful conservation can achieve.
By David Abonyo