Family members of the late 47-year-old Muhamed Ahmed Sheikh.
Family members of the late 47-year-old Muhamed Ahmed Sheikh.
Human rights groups in Tana River are now demanding urgent
action and justice from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), accusing the agency of
the death of 47-year-old Muhamed Ahmed Sheikh.
Sheikh was killed on Wednesday by an elephant while on his way to the market in Boka location.
Speaking to the press after visiting the family members of the victim, Muslim for Human Rights (Muhuri) rapid response officer Francis Auma accused the agency of gross negligence, harassment and systemic failure to protect both wildlife and the surrounding communities.
According to Muhuri, Sheikh was reportedly chased to the river and killed at around 3 pm on Monday in what residents describe as a horrifying and avoidable tragedy.
His burial, held Wednesday under Islamic rites, was marked by grief and rising anger in a community that feels abandoned.
“This is not the first death. It’s at least the eighth fatality caused by wild animals in this area in the last two years and yet nothing has changed,” Auma said.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service appears to have normalised these killings. Communities cry, bury their dead and are met with silence—or worse, harassment. We’re saying enough is enough,” Auma said.
According to residents, complaints to both local leaders and KWS have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears. Instead of solutions, they say they’ve faced intimidation.
“KWS officers routinely impound livestock, transport them to Kitui county and extort hefty sums from owners—often under threats or through violence,” Mohamed Abajila, a local, said.
“We’re not just being ignored—we’re being targeted. They beat us, they take our camels and still they can’t protect us from the elephants.”
Auma condemned the ongoing abuse, warning that the situation is fast approaching a tipping point. Tensions in the region are at a boiling point, with frustration growing over the lack of compensation and accountability from authorities.
“Going by the history of similar cases, we know there will be no compensation. The government will make promises, issue statements and then disappear. We demand justice for Mzee Sheikh and for every other life lost in silence,” he added.
Muhuri is now calling for an immediate independent investigation into the conduct of KWS officers in Tana River county, fair compensation for families of wildlife victims, and the establishment of a joint taskforce that includes community representatives to address long-term coexistence between people and wildlife.
“KWS, your role is to protect—not terrorise. Work with the people. End the harassment. Acknowledge the deaths. Let the killing of Mzee Sheikh be the last,” Auma said.
