Mutuse Demands Action on Elephant Invasions as Residents Decry Years of Destruction

By Andrew Mbuva 

Kibwezi West Member of Parliament, Mwengi Mutuse, has issued a strong ultimatum to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), demanding immediate intervention to end persistent human-wildlife conflicts that have plagued residents of Kikumbulyu and Lower Makindu for years.

Speaking during an empowerment at Kathyaka Market in Kibwezi West on Sunday, Mutuse said the continued invasion of farms and settlements by elephants had subjected local residents to immense suffering, economic losses, and emotional distress.

The legislator faulted KWS for what he described as inadequate action despite repeated appeals over the past three years, warning that the situation had reached unacceptable levels.

“President William Ruto’s Government is about service to the people, and we will not accept public servants who are not responsive to the cries of our people,” Mutuse said. “The people of Kikumbulyu and Lower Makindu have suffered for far too long due to what appears to be an organized invasion by elephants, and this must now stop.”

Mutuse revealed that he had engaged the KWS Director General on numerous occasions regarding the matter but expressed frustration over the lack of tangible solutions. He called on the wildlife agency’s leadership to take full responsibility for the losses and hardships experienced by affected families.

“The Director General of KWS must now take full responsibility for the anguish my people are enduring because it is immoral and simply not right,” he stated.

The MP noted that the frustrations of residents were evident during the large public gathering at Kathyaka Market, where community members voiced concerns over crop destruction, threats to human life, and the disruption of livelihoods caused by roaming elephants.

At the same time, Mutuse praised President William Ruto for what he termed a personal commitment to supporting the people of Kibwezi West. He thanked the Head of State for making a personal contribution towards the empowerment initiative aimed at uplifting local residents economically.

The event attracted several leaders from the region, including Aviation Principal Secretary Terry Mbaika, Former Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao, Former Kilome MP Regina Ndambuki, Director Medical Services, Preventive and Promotive health Dr. Andrew Mulwa, several Members of County Assembly, and other political and community leaders.

Residents expressed hope that the renewed pressure from their elected leaders would compel KWS to implement lasting measures to prevent elephant incursions and protect communities living near wildlife habitats.

The human-wildlife conflict remains one of the major challenges facing communities bordering national parks and wildlife corridors in Makueni County, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger mitigation measures, compensation for losses, and enhanced protection from destructive wildlife