Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the government will take action to track down and capture hyenas that have been attacking people and causing concern in the Juja estates of Kiambu County.
Speaking on Saturday, DP Gachagua stated that the government will deploy a team of security personnel to the area to remove the wild animals and address the growing threat posed by the attacks.
He also attributed the increase in hyena attacks in Juja to abandoned quarries, suggesting that these areas may serve as hiding places for the hyenas before they strike residents.
Gachagua made these remarks during the wedding of Paul Wetosi to Jacinta Wanjiru, daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi, held at Juja Preparatory School.
“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.
He was responding to Juja MP George Koimburi’s request for government intervention following the recent mauling of a 52-year-old woman by a hyena. The legislator highlighted that over the past five months, these wild animals have claimed the lives of several people, including children.
At the wedding ceremony, the Deputy President was joined by his spouse, Pastor Dorcas, along with MPs Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), and James Gakuya (Embakasi North).
MCAs, including Juja Kalimoni Ward Representative Godfrey Mucheke, who also serves as the Leader of the Majority Party in the Kiambu County Assembly, were present along with other leaders.
The Deputy President also urged residents to remain vigilant and support the government’s efforts to combat illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse.
“On the fight illicit brews, we are reclaiming broken families. Some young men and women had abandoned their families because of illicit brews and drugs abuse,” he said.
DP Gachagua urged the newlyweds to strengthen their faith in God and protect the family unit, which is the foundation of the nation.
“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. Much as we come together as one people, we must remember our origin,” he said.
On her part, Pastor Dorcas advised the new couple to support and take care of each other in life for the prosperity of their family.
“Marriages work. Some say they do not work because they entail a lot of work, tolerance and commitment. You must be truthful,” she said.
