Jumbos destroy crops and houses in Voi (Kenya)

Author(s)

Raphael Mwadime, The Star

Date Published

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A farmer looks at his destroyed crops at Msinga area in Voi. Elephants invaded farms and destroyed property on Wednesday night.Photo Raphael Mwadime

Farmers in Voi are counting losses after a herd of elephants invaded their farms and destroyed crops and houses on Wednesday night.

Among the farms invaded in Msinga village is that of Western regional coordinator Samuel Kilele.

“The elephants came like ghosts and we only learned of their presence when we heard them break trees,” his farmhand Grace Manga said.

She told journalists they spent the night in the kitchen as they could not enter the main house because of the jumbos.

Residents said there were 15 adult elephants and four calves.

Manga said the elephants returned to the bushes in the morning.

Resident Sammy Mwamunga accused the Kenya Wildlife Service of belittling human life.

“We have never had peace in this area. The elephants stray into the village along the Voi River. The KWS should set up a camp at Msinga,” he said.

Mwamunga said the elephants destroyed drip irrigation systems.

“Crops were ready for harvesting but they have eaten everything,” he said.

http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/01/29/jumbos-destroy-crops-and-houses-in-voi_c1284812