Murang’a County residents are up in arms over the increasing presence of the green cercopithecus or vervet monkeys commonly known as ‘tumbili’, and the damage they are causing to their properties and crops.
Frustrated by the persistent problem, locals are now calling for Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to consider compensating them for the damages caused by the mischievous primates.
“We’ve signed a petition in which we request the Speaker Moses Wetangula to amend the Kenya Wildlife Conservation and Management Act to include these monkeys as part of wildlife species,” said Kihumbu-ini Ward Representative Gachui Mungai.
The issue which has been escalating for some time has seen residents report significant losses due to the invasion of monkeys into their farms and homes.
Moreover, residents are calling on KWS to provide compensation to those who have suffered losses as a result of the monkey infestation.
“The person who brought these monkeys from wherever they obtained them should return them. Alternatively, they should allow us to eliminate them because they consume what is meant for our consumption,” remarked a Kihumbu-ini resident.
He added that former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria had installed traps to catch the monkeys, but they no longer work.
“When you cook something they come and steal it. Whether you cook ugali, vegetables, matoke or meat…they enter the house and take it. Please help us,” another resident pleaded.
“They chase women. What do they want? ”
They argue that such compensation would alleviate their financial burden.
