Human body parts found on roadside after attack by wild animal in Laikipia

FILE IMAGE OF POLICE LINE

Police and Kenya Wildlife Service officials are investigating an incident where the remains of a human were found on the roadside after a fatal attack by a suspected wild animal in Rumuruti, Laikipia County.

The skull and pieces of bones together with clothes and shoes were found scattered kilometers away from a man who had been reported missing. The remains are believed to be of Stephen Ekale, 22 who was reported missing on December 14, 2025 in the area and were found on Rumuruti-Nanyuki road.

The shoes were identified as those of Ekale who was missing and were together with the skull and bones moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and investigations into the discovery that was made on December 21, 2025.

Police advised the family to file a compensation claim.

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.