Rabid donkey shot dead after killing sheep, attacking residents in Kericho
FILE IMAGE OF A POLICE LINE
Police in Londiani, Kericho County, shot and killed a donkey suspected to have been infected with rabies after it attacked and killed a sheep and attempted to attack members of the public.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Miti Tatu area, where a resident reported the animal to police at around noon.
Police officers who responded to the scene found the donkey posing a threat to public safety. They shot it once using a G3 rifle, killing it instantly. There had been drama in the area as a crowd gathered there and could scamper at one point as the animal approached.
The carcass was later safely buried under the guidance of a veterinary officer.
Police said the animal had exhibited aggressive behaviour consistent with the reported rabies infection, prompting the intervention to protect residents from further attacks.
Meanwhile, a 60-year-old man was killed by a stray elephant while searching for pasture for his goats at his farm in Mwonjeru village, Meru County.
The incident was reported to police on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The deceased was identified as George Mbae. Police officers who visited the scene documented and processed it before the body was moved to Nyambene Morgue.
The body was preserved at the facility pending an autopsy as investigations into the human-wildlife conflict incident continue.
The family was advised to file for compensation. Authorities have been running campaigns to address the conflict and anger surrounding the same.
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 communityâled 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.
