School kids under threat as rampant hyenas on the loose in Mavoko

By Agnes Orang’o

Locals in Muthwani, Mavoko Sub County in Machakos County are living in fear due to hyena attacks.

The residents revealed to the media this week that hyenas had attacked two children leaving them with severe injuries.

The two, a 13-year old boy and a toddler are currently admitted at Kenyatta and Machakos Level Five hospitals respectively.

The first victim was coming from the shop when the animal pounced.

The residents have expressed fears that their school-going children may be attacked by the beasts while heading to school in the morning.

“This nightmare needs to be addressed before schools reopen in a week’s time because we are worried about our children, KWS should spring to action immediately and withdraw these animals from the area,” said a resident identified as Jane Mwelu.

Area headman William Mutinda urged schools to let children to report from 7 am to avoid being attacked. He urged the locals to ensure their children are at home before dusk.

He noted that a middle aged woman was also attacked by the beast while trying to save her baby.

The victim reportedly sustained serious injuries on her face before the villagers could save her.

Apart from hyenas other wild animals have been invading their farms and destroying crops.

The KWS have so far set traps for the hyenas but no animal has been caught.