Kwale: A 35-year-old man was trampled to death after stray elephants raided a camping site at the Dokata private game range in Samburu subcounty of Kwale. The man was attacked at the camp, sustained serious injuries, and was rushed to a health facility in Mackinon township along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. The deceased was later transferred to Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi, Taita Taveta County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Samburu Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Patrick Kilonzo confirmed the incident, stating that the elephants are believed to have strayed from the neighboring Tsavo East National Park due to the prevailing dry spell. The lack of water and pasture has forced elephants out of the park and into surrounding areas in search of water. Kilonzo added that guidelines have been put in place by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), rangers, and security agencies to protect local residents from the threat posed by the stray animals.
KWS officers in Mackinon Township have already requested a helicopter to assist in driving the elephants back into the Tsavo National Park, as many have moved into settlements in search of water. The name of the man will be released once his next of kin are informed, and residents are advised not to confront stray elephants due to the risk of aggression leading to injury or death. The presence of elephants near homesteads continues to endanger human life, especially in areas bordering Tsavo East National Park.
Sensitization meetings have been conducted to urge residents to report sightings of elephants or other wild animals immediately. Authorities have also encouraged locals to avoid approaching the animals on their own. Plans are underway to hold public meetings to educate residents on safety measures and the importance of cooperation with wildlife and security officers to minimize risks.
Kilonzo emphasized that joint efforts between the community, security teams, and conservation agencies are necessary to address the human-wildlife conflict that has intensified during the dry season. Residents in Kwale have long raised concerns about elephants damaging crops and property, asking KWS for adequate intervention. The administrator advised the victim’s family to file a compensation claim with the KWS.
The national government has launched several initiatives and phased compensation payments for human-wildlife conflict victims, including a compensation scheme rollout by President William Ruto in April 2025 and ongoing payments to address a backlog of claims. The incident follows a similar tragedy barely a week ago when a 25-year-old woman was trampled to death by elephants in Musaroni village, Vigurungani, Kinango Sub County of Kwale County.