Remains of missing woman found in bush after attack by wild animals

FILE IMAGE OF A POLICE LINE

Police and wildlife officers in Makueni County are investigating an incident in which human remains believed to belong to a missing 70-year-old woman were discovered scattered in a bush, suspected to have been mauled by wild animals.

The incident was reported by a resident of Athi Salama in Mukaange Sublocation.

According to the report, skeletal remains were found scattered in bushes within Vaandavai Farm.

At the scene, investigators recovered a pair of sky-blue plastic shoes, a yellow blouse and a black leso which the complainant said resembled clothing belonging to his wife, Maritina Nzula Musau, who had earlier been reported missing at the station on April 20, 2026.

Police and personnel from Kenya Wildlife Service based in Kambu visited and processed the scene.

The remains were moved to Kambu Sub County Hospital mortuary pending identification and further investigations.

Cases of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise amid efforts to solve the trend.

Dozens of people are annually killed by wild animals including elephants, hippopotamus and others.

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.