Over 3000 residents of Tipet area in West Pokot County are living in fear following frequent attacks by crocodiles from the dam on River Turkwel which is next to Turkwel hydro-electric power plant.
They said that several people and hundreds of livestock have been killed and others maimed by the crocodiles. Residents have now petitioned the Kenya Wildlife Service to come to their rescue.
For now, part of the river has dried up and the crocodiles regularly use the prevailing conditions to set up attacks. The crocodiles pose a big threat to farmers who suffered huge losses in the recent drought. Two years ago, a class three pupil at Riting Primary School was killed by a crocodile as he was bathing on the banks of the river dam.
Speaking at Tipet area, Endough ward representative Mr. Evans Lomaduny said for a period of one year over ten people had lost lives after being attacked by crocodiles. “The number of crocodiles has increased in the dam. They maul more than 10 goats a day,” he said.
He observed that residents have been forced to migrate due to the human-wildlife conflict. He called on the Kenya Wildlife Service and KVDA (Kerio Valley Development Authority) to fence the area to protect residents from the crocodiles, “People even fear walking near the dam,” he said. He also urged the government to compensate everyone who has been atacked, “Everyone who has been attacked and injured should be compensated fully.”
Kacheliba member of parliament Mark Lomunokol reiterated that parliament came up with a law meant to pave the way for compensation of people affected by animal attacks.
He urged the government to set up a hospital near the dam to help resident’s access medical services when they are injured. “Locals are forced to travel over 30 kilometers to Turkwel dispensary before seeking health services. Most of the people who have died could’ve survived if we had a hospital closer,” he said.
The MP also asked KWS to sensitize the community members on the dangers of the dam that harbors crocodiles, saying most residents are not aware of the danger posed. He also urged parents to keep their children away from the dam.
Residents have complained that the attacks are on the rise. A livestock farmer from Tipeta area Mr. Solomon Amekam said he had lost two goats and he urged the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to fence off the water points.
“It is common during the rainy season for crocodiles to make their way to artificial dams and attack animals. We are appealing to the authorities to help us keep the crocodiles at bay by setting up proper fencing,” he said.
