Laikipia: Widow Tearfully Recounts Moment Hubby Was Trampled to Death by Elephant
Laikipia: Widow Tearfully Recounts Moment Hubby Was Trampled to Death by
Elephant
Lynn-Linzer Kibebe, Tuko
January 14, 2025
See link
https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/counties/575295-laikipia-widow-tearfully-recounts-moments-hubby-trampled-death-by-elephant/#google_vignette
for video.
Residents of Kauka-Silale village in Nyahururu, Laikipia county have been
thrown into mourning following the death of a 54-year-old man allegedly
killed by an elephant. Laikipia woman Mary Elele recalls last moments
before husband was killed by elephant.
The deceased man, identified as Josphat Oruko, was attacked at his
homestead around 10pm by the elephant. His lifeless body was discovered
shortly after the incident, igniting widespread outrage in the community.
Mary Elele, the wife of the deceased, tearfully narrated what transpired
before the elephant killed her husband.
She noted that Oruko stepped out of their house to check what had happened
after something hit the building. Upon stepping out, Elele revealed that
her husband saw the elephant, which immediately attacked him. “We heard
something hitting the house and thought it was a thief. When my husband
went out, he saw the elephant, and it immediately caught and threw him onto
the road, where it killed him,” she said.
Nyahururu residents' demands after elephant attack
The locals took to the streets, demanding the government erect an electric
fence around the South Marmanet forest. According to the locals, the
elephant strayed from the forest and attacked the elderly man, mauling him
to death. Margaret Githuthwa, one of the residents, stated that they have
raised concerns but have not been heard. “We have been complaining for
years now, asking the government to take the jumbos away or fence the area,
but nothing has been done,” she said.
Another resident called on the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to take
charge of the situation to avoid such tragedy in the village. “We want
justice served; these elephants come to our doors, jeopardising our safety.
We want the ministry in charge to tell us where they expect us to live,”
she said. They further called on officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service
(KWS) to take action and fast-track the process of erecting the electric
fence on the remaining 26 kilometres surrounding the forest.
Kericho teacher killed by elephant
In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that a sombre mood engulfed Miti Tatu
village in Kipkelion after a marauding elephant killed a teacher taking
images of the animals. The deceased teacher was reportedly among villagers
watching the elephants as they passed through the village. Moreover, a
primary school student escaped death narrowly as another elephant chased
him but did not catch up with him.
Following the incident, the residents accused KWS of not adequately
responding to their cries. The deceased's body was transported to the
Londiani Sub-county Hospital mortuary.