Lamu residents in protest over wildlife project
The residents say that freely roaming wild animals pose a serious threat to human life and their livelihood.
Residents of Manda Island in Lamu County have staged a protest over the controversial introduction of buffaloes and other wild animals by a private conservancy, citing safety and environmental concerns.
The residents say the project was undertaken without community consultation or proper environmental clearance, warning that freely roaming wild animals pose a serious threat to human life.
Carrying banners and twigs, protesters marched along the island’s dusty roads, demanding the immediate removal of the animals from populated areas. They said the presence of the animals has instilled fear among residents and disrupted daily life.
“We are afraid to leave our homes because the animals are roaming freely. Our children are at risk on their way to school,” said Fatuma Mulonza, a local resident.
Adding their voice to the protest, the Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) has urged authorities to take urgent action to protect residents from the escalating risk of human-wildlife conflict. The rights group said the private conservancy lacks a proper perimeter fence, allowing animals to stray into human settlements and endanger lives.
“With no fence and no water inside the park, animals are wandering into villages in search of food and water. Children can no longer walk to school safely. Some schools have already closed. Parents are afraid. Elders are worried. Every sound at night brings anxiety,” said the Mombasa-based rights organization.
MUHURI also pointed to a recent incident in which a buffalo was spotted roaming near Manda Airport, warning that such occurrences could endanger travelers and harm tourism. The unusual sight briefly disrupted airport operations as authorities moved to secure the area.
“We are not opposed to conservation, investment, or development,” MUHURI said in a statement. “But it must be done responsibly. It must respect human life, involve the community, and comply with the law.”
The organization has called on the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Lamu County Government to take immediate action to address the situation.