The government, led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has announced plans to deploy a specialized team to Juja, Kiambu County, to capture and relocate hyenas that have been causing havoc in the area. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over the increased frequency of hyena attacks on residents, which have led to several tragic deaths, including that of a 52-year-old woman.
Speaking at a wedding ceremony held at Juja Preparatory School grounds, Mr. Gachagua emphasized the seriousness of the situation and reassured residents that the government is taking immediate action to address the threat. The Deputy President revealed that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) had identified abandoned quarries in the area as potential hiding places for the hyenas. These quarries, which have been left unattended, provide a safe haven for the wild animals, allowing them to prowl the estates and launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting residents.
“We have gathered from KWS Director-General that the problem of hyenas in Juja is also the abandoned quarry sites. The death incidents are worrisome. We are sending a team to capture the hyenas and relocate them so that they do not become a menace. The quarries are also a security threat and can be breeding area for mosquitoes,” said Mr. Gachagua.
Juja MP George Koimburi, who was also present at the event, had earlier appealed to the government for intervention, citing the tragic loss of life in recent months due to the hyena menace. He reported that in the past five months, several people, including children, had been mauled to death by the wild animals. The escalating situation had created a climate of fear and anxiety among the residents, who now live in constant fear of being attacked.
The government’s decision to intervene has been met with relief by the local community. Residents had been increasingly concerned about the safety of their families, particularly in light of the recent fatal attack. The deployment of a specialized team to capture and relocate the hyenas is expected to bring much-needed peace of mind to the area.
In addition to addressing the hyena menace, Mr. Gachagua also urged the residents to support the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse in the region. He highlighted the devastating impact that these vices have had on families, with many young men and women abandoning their responsibilities due to addiction.
“On the fight against illicit brews, we are reclaiming broken families. Some young men and women had abandoned their families because of illicit brews and drug abuse,” the Deputy President remarked.
The wedding ceremony where these statements were made was for Paul Wetosi and Jacinta Wanjiru, daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi. The event, held at Juja Preparatory School, was attended by various dignitaries, including Pastor Dorcas, the Deputy President’s spouse, and several Members of Parliament, such as Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), and James Gakuya (Embakasi North). The Leader of the Majority Party in the Kiambu County Assembly, Juja Kalimoni Ward Representative Godfrey Mucheke, was also present.
During the ceremony, Mr. Gachagua offered his blessings to the newlyweds, urging them to build their marriage on a strong foundation of faith and family values. He emphasized the importance of the family unit in nation-building and encouraged the couple to uphold their cultural traditions while fostering national unity.
“We are happy to be in this occasion. Paul and Shiru have done their parents proud by starting their own family and having a wedding. This is the real way to fight tribalism and create national cohesion. Kenya is one, and we are all Kenyans. But that does not mean we forget our origin and identity. We have traditions, customs, and beliefs,” Mr. Gachagua stated.
Pastor Dorcas also offered words of wisdom to the couple, emphasizing the importance of mutual support, care, and honesty in marriage. She encouraged them to work hard to make their marriage a success, acknowledging that while marriage requires effort and commitment, it is ultimately rewarding.
“Marriages work. Some say they do not work because they entail a lot of work, tolerance, and commitment. You must be truthful,” she advised.
The government’s prompt response to the hyena menace in Juja underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, while the wedding ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of family and community in Kenyan society.
