The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has shot dead a crocodile terrorizing residents in Turkana County due to rising water levels. The incident occurred at Kakuenyang near Lodwar town, following an attack that injured a local and killed goats. KWS Warden Chege Elijah stated that flooding has driven the reptiles closer to human settlements.
In a swift response, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has shot and killed a large crocodile that had been preying on goats and endangering human lives near Lodwar in Turkana County. The action took place at Kakuenyang, a watering point along River Kakwa where locals bring their livestock. According to Chege Elijah, the KWS County Warden, the reptile had killed several goats and represented a significant threat to people in the area.
This intervention followed days after another crocodile attacked a resident in Kalokal, injuring him and requiring evacuation to Lodwar Referral Hospital for treatment. "The crocodile was preying on the goats and other domestic animals. It was a very huge threat even to humans," Elijah explained in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke.
Elijah attributed the incidents to rising water levels from recent rains, which have displaced crocodiles from their natural habitats and brought them into closer contact with communities reliant on fishing and herding. Identified hotspots include Loangak, Longetch, Namukose, and the Kerio Delta areas. "These attacks are happening because of the rising water levels. So crocodiles have come close to humans. They've been displaced from their habitats," he noted.
The ongoing breeding season has exacerbated the aggression of the animals. KWS has initiated awareness campaigns in these hotspots to educate residents on crocodile behavior and safety precautions. "While our primary role is wildlife conservation, we must act when animals pose direct danger to human life. KWS is committed to balancing protection of both wildlife and communities living alongside them," Elijah stressed.
Turkana's residents, who depend on fishing and livestock for livelihoods, now face increased risks at water sources. KWS continues to monitor the situation as water levels remain elevated.