3 Dead, 8 Injured as Police Open Fire on Mombasa Road

Traffic snarl-up was witnessed along Mombasa Road after three people died while protesting against wildlife invasion in Masimba area on Thursday, June 2, 2022
Traffic snarl-up was witnessed along Mombasa Road after three people died while protesting against wildlife invasion in Masimba area on Thursday, June 2, 2022
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Three people died and eight others were injured in the Masimba area along Mombasa Road after police reportedly opened fire on protesters

Embattled residents, on Thursday morning, June 2, demonstrated against the perennial wildlife invasion that has caused the destruction of property in the area. 

The issue escalated with residents burning tires and barricading Mombasa Road, leading to a traffic snarl-up that stretched for over five kilometers and paralysed operations along the busy highway.

Motorists were stuck on Mombasa Raod after Masimba area residents protested against wildlife invasion on Thursday, June 2, 2022
Motorists were stuck on Mombasa Raod after Masimba area residents protested against wildlife invasion on Thursday, June 2, 2022
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Motorists were forced to scamper for safety after the demonstrators turned chaotic. 

Makueni Senator, Mutula Kilonzo Jr, narrated his encounter with the protesters and warned motorists to be cautious while approaching the area.  

“I ran into a violent demonstration at Masimba near Kiboko. We escaped narrowly after stones were hurled indiscriminately at my vehicle. Motorists should avoid that section of Mombasa Road,” Senator Mutula cautioned. 

Other motorists noted that the traffic gridlock stretched kilometres along both sides of the road. 

Traffic marshalls were deployed to man the road. Nonetheless, police have not yet responded to the allegations of opening fire at the protesters. 

Residents of Masimba have constantly called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to find a lasting solution to the human-wildlife conflict in Kajiado county.

Farmers lament that the animals, mostly elephants, invade their farms and destroy crops. 

In March 2018, Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala, established a task force to address the human-wildlife conflict in the country. 

Masimba area residents demonstrate along Mombasa Road on Thursday, June 2, 2022
Masimba area residents demonstrate along Mombasa Road on Thursday, June 2, 2022
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The members of the taskforce were further tasked with safeguarding game parks, community and private land.

Early 2021, the CS launched a Ksh500 million compensation payment for victims of human-wildlife conflict.

“A further Ksh600 million will be allocated for compensation in the coming Financial Year of 2021-2022. We must recognize the goodwill of our communities living with the wildlife and how they are going to benefit from it,” he noted. 

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