Nyeri residents are in panic mode after the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reported that 15 lions have escaped the Solio Conservancy in Kieni, Nyeri County.
The Standard on Friday, September 13, reported that the 15 lions made their way out of the conservancy through holes that had been dug by warthogs along the conservancy's electric fence.
KWS assistant director Simon Gitau, while warning Nyeri County residents, announced on Thursday, September 12, that the lions disappeared from the conservancy and that efforts to trace them had been fruitless.
"These animals are moving out at night and returning during day time. We are asking people to be patient as we pursue the lions,” he is quoted.
Gitau also warned residents that even though there had been no attacks yet, they should stay alert and avoid traveling at night given the threat that the animals posed.
“We are asking residents to call any KWS number or report to any station if they hear or locate the lions because they are yet to be traced. People should be careful because they are roaming at night,” he added.
He also warned them against taking matters into their own hands or provoking the lions should they be seen in the village.
He claimed that on Wednesday, September 11, KWS officials had held meetings with the conservancy's management where they resolved to redo the fence to prevent more animals from escaping.
This is not the first time lions are escaping a park in Kenya.
In July 2018, eight lions escaped from Mt. Kenya National Park and terrorized residents of Muriru in Naro Moru, Nyeri County.
Residents promised to poison or kill them if an action was not taken within 4 days after the lions ate a horse and 2 cows near Mt. Kenya holiday homes.
In October 2018, lions escaped the Lake Nakuru Game Park in Nakuru County and terrorized villagers of Subuku and Ngata Villages, killing two cows in their wake.
