Two herders killed by elephants in separate attacks in Samburu, Garissa
Two herders were separately killed in attacks by elephants in Samburu and Garissa Counties.
These are the latest incidents of human-wildlife conflict amid a surge in such fatal attacks in places near parks.
According to officials, in the first incident, a 41-year-old man was trampled to death by an elephant while herding his goats in Nguposorogin Village, Samburu East Sub-County.
Eisimgai Gorow Ltarakwa died on October 11, 2026, after encountering a lone elephant while looking after his goats, according to police and Kenya Wildlife Service personnel.
Police officers alongside personnel from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), visited the scene following the report.
Preliminary findings indicated that Ltarakwa was tending to his goats when the elephant attacked him, inflicting severe injuries and fractures to all his limbs.
He succumbed to the injuries at the scene.
The scene was documented by the responding officers before the body was moved to Laisamis Mortuary, where it is being preserved pending a post-mortem examination.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter were not immediately established.
Elsewhere, a 64-year-old man died after being trampled by a herd of elephants while grazing his livestock in Benane Village, Lagdera Sub-County, Garissa County.
The deceased, identified as Mukhtar Abdoy Hussein, was reportedly herding his livestock when the elephants attacked him on October 13, 2026.
Police officers accompanied officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), visited the scene.
The body was subsequently moved to Maua General Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination.
The incident highlights the risks faced by herders in areas where livestock grazing activities bring communities into close proximity with wildlife.
The families were 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.
