Homa bay: A farmer in Lala village in Homa Bay Town Sub County is counting losses after a wild animal suspected to be a leopard killed eight of his sheep Monday night. Following the attacks, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) County Warden Jackson Kibor said they had assessed the situation and set traps to catch the animal.

According to Kenya News Agency, the affected farmer, Mr. Apolo Orere, reported that his sheep were killed in the dead of the night while the household was asleep. The animal vanished after the attack, and this incident followed just two weeks after the same stray beast allegedly mauled his dog. Mr. Orere now fears for the safety of his dairy cows, concerned they might be the next targets.

The presence of the animal has instilled fear among the village residents, who are worried about their safety, particularly for school-going children who traverse the village in the early hours. Ms. Edith Otieno, a business operator in Homa Bay Town, has altered her routine, closing her business earlier than usual to ensure she is home before nightfall. “I used to go home after 9 pm but now I have to be at home before darkness for fear of being attacked,” she remarked.

Kibor indicated that KWS is working on modalities to facilitate compensation for the victim and advised farmers to construct enclosures for their animals to prevent future wild animal attacks. “We are working on ways of ensuring that the animals don’t stray out of the Ruma National Park which neighbours the village,” Kibor assured.