Residents of Makueni County are mourning after three people were killed in separate crocodile attacks along River Athi within a single day. The incidents occurred on Saturday evening, with one victim attacked in Kalawa and two others mauled in Ivinga Nzia, Mavindini Ward.
The tragedy has deepened fears among local communities who rely heavily on the river for water, farming, and fishing. For many households, River Athi is the only accessible water source, making it nearly impossible to avoid the danger posed by the growing crocodile population.
These attacks follow closely on another recent incident in Kibwezi, where a 13-year-old boy was dragged away by a crocodile while fetching water at Kathyaka. Despite extensive search efforts, the boy’s body has not been recovered, leaving his family in anguish. Such cases are particularly painful as cultural traditions compel families without a recovered body to bury banana logs in place of the deceased, a symbolic gesture to allow closure and honor the dead.
Authorities and humanitarian organizations have launched recovery operations for the latest victims, but the community remains on edge. According to data collected over the past year, River Athi has witnessed at least 27 crocodile attacks, 14 of which were fatal. This alarming statistic has placed Makueni among the counties hardest hit by human-wildlife conflict in Kenya.
Beyond the immediate danger, the attacks have far-reaching impacts on community life. Families who lose loved ones not only face grief but also economic strain, as many victims are often breadwinners or school-going children. Fear of further attacks has also disrupted routine activities such as farming, washing, and fishing along the riverbanks.
Residents are now calling on authorities to intervene with urgent measures. Suggestions include fencing off the most dangerous sections of River Athi, relocating crocodiles, and providing alternative safe water sources such as boreholes and piped water systems. Without such interventions, the death toll could continue to rise, leaving families and the wider community trapped in a cycle of fear and loss.
The growing number of crocodile attacks has become a pressing reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and wildlife conservation. For the people of Makueni, safety now hangs on how quickly and effectively action can be taken.
