By Norah Musega
Locals of Opasi in Suna East constituency have decried the invasion of hyenas in the area who have posed a danger to them and their livestock.
The locals said their children are unable to get to school within the stipulated hours as per the school rules due to the invasion of the hyenas and called upon the government through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to come to their rescue.
“We no longer feel safe and comfortable to allow our children to leave home for school because of the invasion by the hyenas,” said Julia Anyango, a resident.
She added that their children’s concentration and performance in schools has dropped since they fear going to school.
Anyango challenged the Ministry of Education to liaise with the KWS to ensure the hyenas are captured and confined in the right places away from the public where they pose a lot of danger.
Caren Amondi, another resident, urged the government through the local authority to take swift action over the matter, adding that the hyenas have instilled fear among the residents hence limiting their freedom of movement.
“The government should take swift action on this matter before we start losing our children’s lives,” said Amondi.
She added that they have been forced to close their businesses before nightfall due to the fear of being attacked by the hyenas.
“Our daily routine has been greatly affected and we are unable to make good profits as before,” she pointed out.
Area chief Daniel Matolo held a chief’s baraza to discuss possible solutions to the problem and called upon the locals to remain united and offer their support as they wait for a response from the authority.
