KWS Raises Alarm After Thika Residents Kill and Slaughter Hyena
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an urgent public health warning following an incident in which residents in Thika killed a hyena and took away its meat.
The event took place on the morning of Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Kamenu Location, Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County. According to KWS, the hyena was spotted feeding on improperly dumped poultry remains when local residents surrounded it, chased it down, killed it, and quickly slaughtered the animal before wildlife response teams could arrive at the scene.
After the killing, members of the public fled with portions of the meat, including internal organs. KWS has strongly advised against handling or consuming any part of the carcass. Hyenas are scavengers and can carry several dangerous diseases that can spread to humans, such as rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, salmonella, and E. coli. The service has urged anyone who may have come into contact with the meat to seek immediate medical attention and to surrender any remaining portions to the nearest police station or wildlife office without delay.
Killing or consuming wildlife is illegal under Kenyan law, specifically the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act. Such actions amount to poaching and can attract heavy penalties, including fines exceeding KSh 20 million or even life imprisonment in serious cases. The incident highlights ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in areas where urban expansion meets natural habitats, sometimes leading residents to take matters into their own hands when they feel threatened or when animals stray into communities.
KWS has reminded the public to report any wildlife sightings immediately rather than attempting to handle the animals themselves. Proper reporting allows trained teams to respond safely and professionally, reducing risks to both people and wildlife. Authorities continue to encourage better waste management practices, such as proper disposal of poultry and other refuse, to prevent attracting wild animals into residential areas. As investigations continue, residents in the Thika area and surrounding regions have been called upon to remain vigilant and cooperate with officials to avoid similar risky situations in the future.
