Residents of Ganze sub-county in Kilifi have renewed calls for the government to find a lasting solution to the persistent elephant menace that has plagued the region.
The appeal was led by George Fondo, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman in Ganze, who expressed frustration over what he described as inaction by relevant authorities.
“It is very unfortunate. We have repeatedly asked the government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, to intervene, but it seems they’ve hit a dead end,” said Fondo.
He noted that repeated elephant invasions have resulted in widespread destruction of crops, severely affecting local livelihoods.
“This menace has been ongoing for years. It remains a thorn in our flesh,” he added.
Fondo cited areas such as Vitengeni, Bamba, and Mwahera as particularly affected, warning that the elephants now pose a serious threat to human life.
“We are living in fear. Farmers are struggling after these marauding elephants have destroyed their crops,” he said.
Local farmer Katana Lewa from Vitengeni echoed the concerns, urging the government to act swiftly.
“We cannot continue losing our crops to elephants. We are tired,” he said.