Leopard kills 25 sheep in Kajiado amid rising human-wildlife conflicts

A livestock farmer in Oloyiang’alani, Kajiado Central subcounty, is counting massive losses after a leopard attack left 25 Dorper sheep dead.

The farmer, Moses Murunya, said the incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. when a leopard, believed to have been accompanied by its cubs, raided his sheep pen.

“We heard our dogs barking fiercely and rushed outside to check what was happening. When we reached the sheep pen, we saw a leopard and what we believe were its cubs jumping over the fence, while others escaped through a hole they had made. We found 25 sheep lying on the ground, some already dead, and others had been carried away,” Murunya said.

He estimated his losses at about Sh375,000, noting that livestock farming is his only source of income. Murunya appealed to the authorities to fast-track the compensation process.

Confirming the incident, Oloyiang’alani Senior Chief Harrison Mpaayo said cases of human-wildlife conflict are increasing in the area.

He urged authorities to strengthen preventive measures and ensure timely compensation for affected residents.

Officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service have visited the homestead and assessed the damage to facilitate compensation.

KWS has urged members of the public to promptly report cases of human-wildlife conflict through the USSD code 20209# or by calling 0800 724 195.