Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo. File Photo. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
A section of leaders from Kilifi County has issued a strong warning to the government over what they describe as its failure to address the growing human-wildlife conflict in parts of the county, threatening to mobilize residents to kill elephants if urgent action is not taken.
The leaders, led by Senate Minority Leader and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, accused government agencies responsible for wildlife management of neglecting communities that have endured years of destruction caused by roaming elephants.
Speaking at Ndatani Village in Kaya Fungo Ward, Kaloleni Constituency, Madzayo said local residents had suffered immense losses, including deaths, destruction of crops, and damage to property, while authorities remained unresponsive.
He argued that human lives should take precedence over wildlife conservation, insisting that communities could no longer continue bearing the burden of constant elephant invasions.
Madzayo warned that if the government failed to protect both residents and the elephants under its care, locals might be forced to take matters into their own hands. He claimed that the persistent destruction of farms had pushed many families into poverty, with some now relying on relief food after losing their crops.
The senator questioned why authorities had allowed elephants to stray into farms and residential areas, exposing residents to danger and undermining their livelihoods. He further vowed to stand with affected communities and said he was prepared to offer legal support to residents should they face prosecution over actions taken against the animals.
Former Bamba Ward MCA Daniel Mangi echoed the concerns, saying the situation had worsened following the presidential directive to deregister the Shirango Conservancy during President William Ruto’s recent visit to the area.
Mangi thanked Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs for their role in facilitating the President’s visit and addressing local concerns. However, he argued that the aftermath of the conservancy’s deregistration had seen an increase in elephant incursions, resulting in greater destruction of crops and heightened threats to residents.
He called on the government and wildlife authorities to implement immediate interventions to restore order and protect affected communities.
Former Kaya Fungo MCA Alphonce Mwayaa also condemned the continued movement of elephants through villages and farms, saying residents had endured years of losses and insecurity. He urged relevant authorities to act swiftly to prevent further destruction, safeguard livelihoods, and avert additional loss of life.
The leaders called for a lasting solution to the human-wildlife conflict in the region, warning that growing frustration among residents could escalate if the government fails to respond to their concerns.
