Concern Mounts Over Hyena Menace in Witeithie and Juja

Efforts to eradicate hyenas from the Witeithie and Juja areas are in full swing, with stakeholders forming a task force to close and fence off abandoned quarries, which serve as hiding spots for the animals.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is concurrently relocating the hyenas to the nearby Ol Donyo Sabuk game park, where they often escape from. This response follows public outcry over several attacks in the past two months, resulting in injuries and fatalities, including two children and a woman.

During a meeting at Zetech University, stakeholders, led by Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene, urged KWS to expedite the translocation process, warning of potential vigilantism if the situation persists. Prof Munene emphasized the university’s concern for student safety, given their proximity to Witeithie.

There are calls for fencing off the Ol Donyo Sabuk game reserve to confine the hyenas and prevent further human-animal contact.

Stakeholders expressed frustration over the lack of action and the threat to public safety, with businesses also affected by early closures due to fear of attacks.

Area ACC1 Wilson Mwangi assured stakeholders that measures are in place to address the situation, including closing abandoned quarries to deter the hyenas from returning.