Residents of Lamu East Constituency have petitioned the government to address escalating cases of human-wildlife conflict, including compensation for victims of marine animal attacks.

The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, led by Vice-Chairperson Hon. Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), held a public forum in Mkokoni on Friday to hear grievances.

The forum was hosted by area MP Hon. (Capt.) Ruweida Obo, who is also a committee member.

“I take this opportunity to welcome the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife to Mkokoni, Lamu East Constituency. This is your chance, as residents, to air your grievances regarding human-wildlife conflict. You face a unique situation here because some of you are farmers and others fishermen, both on land and at sea you are affected by wildlife and marine animals,” Hon. Ruweida told residents.

Locals narrated harrowing encounters with wild animals that have claimed lives, destroyed farms, and disrupted livelihoods.

Obo Chanza, a resident, said: “We have been greatly affected by wildlife, especially during drought when they wander in search of water and food. We request an electric fence and water pans to keep animals from destroying our farms.”

He described the Boni Forest as “heavily infested” with dangerous animals.

“People have been mauled by lions and buffaloes, while others suffer from snake bites. The buffalo are numerous and extremely destructive. Worse still, compensation claims take years to be processed,” he lamented.

Marine Attacks

Beyond land conflicts, fishermen decried marine wildlife attacks that have long been ignored.

“Wildlife is not just the lion, the hyena, or the buffalo. There is wildlife in the water too,” said Bakari, a fisherman.

“Why must they compensate someone bitten by a snake in the bush and refuse to compensate a fisherman bitten by a snake in the ocean? Marine animals like sharks and whales are equally dangerous.” Bakari lamented.

KWS Officers Accused of Neglect

Residents accused the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of neglect.

They claimed KWS officers in Lamu East are ill-equipped and “immobile,” leaving communities exposed.

Citing unresolved compensation claims dating back to 2014, residents demanded urgent reforms.

They recalled the case of Bakari, who was bitten by a snake in 2015 and pursued compensation until his death without payment. “Compensation bureaucracy is killing us,” said Mr. Chanza.

“Our voices are ignored while focus remains only on forest wildlife. But for us, marine animals are just as deadly.” He added.

Mwatate MP Peter Shake assured residents that their concerns will be escalated as part of the committee’s nationwide inquiry into human-wildlife conflicts.

Lamu East Member of Parliament Hon. (Capt.) Ruweida Obo. PHOTO/ Parliament of Kenya, Facebook.