Elderly herder killed in elephant attack in Isiolo

A 60-year-old herder was killed after he was attacked by an elephant while grazing livestock in Kinna North, Garbatulla Sub-County, Isiolo County.

The incident occurred on Monday morning in the Eleguada area.

According to police, the deceased, identified as Wako Tache Godana, had taken livestock out to graze when he was attacked by the elephant.

Police officers from Kinna Police Station, accompanied by officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), visited the scene and established that the elephant fatally injured the victim by goring him in the left side of the chest. He died instantly.

Relatives who responded after hearing his cries found him already dead.

The scene was processed by police before the body was moved to Nyambene Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Police and KWS have launched investigations into the incident as authorities continue to urge residents in wildlife-prone areas to exercise caution to minimise human-wildlife conflict.

Authorities asked the family to seek compensation. Such incidents have been on the rise in the area amid efforts to contain them.

In May 2025, Kenya introduced the third phase of its Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing these incidents and supporting affected families.

During its launch at Meru National Park, President William Ruto unveiled the innovative Wildlife Conservation Card, a new tool designed to help fund conservation efforts.

“Compensation is justice, but prevention is progress,” Ruto said, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions that benefit both people and wildlife.

“Through the Conservation Card, fencing, and community‑led tourism, we are turning conflict into opportunity,” he added.

Developed in partnership with KCB Bank, the Wildlife Conservation Card is available in three tiers—Platinum (Elephant), Gold (Lion), and Silver (Cheetah).

A portion of every transaction made with the card (Sh10, Sh5, and Sh3, respectively) goes directly to the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund.

The initiative aims to enable Kenyans and international supporters to contribute to wildlife conservation while fostering economic benefits for local communities.

With this new approach, Kenya hopes to build a future where humans and wildlife can coexist more safely and sustainably.