Students of Daystar University were on Monday, November 22, asked by the school administration to exercise extra caution over a leopard seen roaming on campus.
In an email seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Caroline Mwangi, the Manager, University Services, wrote to the Daystar community, informing them that the stray animal had been spotted at the Athi River Campus.
Mwangi added that the leopard had gone into hiding within the institution's compound.
"This is to bring to our attention that a leopard was spotted (22/11/2021), and it vanished into the thicket near the dam adjacent to central stores," the e-mail read in part.
Students in the campus were warned to avoid the path during the night. In addition, those staying in Bethel or the Self-Catering Hostel Unit (SCHU) were encouraged to move in groups.
Mwangi clarified that the message was not only meant for resident students but also those residing outside the campus. She further stated that they had reported the matter to the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) who had taken action.
"We have contacted the KWS and a trap is being laid within the campus," she stated.
Enclosed in the email were also instructions to the students on what to do in case they encountered the cat. They were advised to desist from attempting to move close to its cubs whether or not their mother was around.
Furthermore, they were advised to avoid the leopard's gaze at all costs and stay away as possible in case they met the leopard.
"If the leopard charges, shout, clap your hands and wave your arms to appear bigger," cautioned the manager.
Students were urged to remain vigilant until KWS gave a green light that it was safe to move around the compound.
