A 52-year-old man has been killed by an elephant in Ganze, Kilifi County, in the latest case of human–wildlife conflict in Kenya. The incident occurred on September 30, 2025, within Madamani Forest in the Mlima Wa Ndege area.
The victim, identified as Anderson Suleiman Ngumbao, was cutting logs for charcoal production in the company of his wife when the elephant charged at them. According to police reports, the woman managed to escape unharmed. Ngumbao attempted to flee but was pursued by the animal, which caught up with him a few meters ahead and trampled him to death. His body, bearing multiple injuries, was later moved to a local mortuary pending further procedures.
Authorities noted that this is not an isolated incident. Kenya records at least two human deaths from wildlife encounters every month, reflecting a troubling trend. Shrinking habitats and dwindling resources are forcing both humans and animals to compete for survival, increasing the frequency of such confrontations.
Local communities, angered by repeated attacks, have often threatened to retaliate against the animals. In some cases, wild animals have been poisoned or targeted by villagers, a practice that poses significant risks to Kenya’s globally renowned tourism industry. To address the crisis, wildlife officials have been working to relocate problem animals to safer zones while also enhancing coexistence measures.
The government has also introduced long-term interventions to manage these conflicts. In May 2025, the third phase of the Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme was rolled out at Meru National Park. As part of the initiative, the Wildlife Conservation Card was unveiled to provide sustainable funding for conservation.
The card, developed in partnership with KCB Bank, is available in three tiers—Platinum (Elephant), Gold (Lion), and Silver (Cheetah). Each transaction made with the card contributes a small amount to the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund, supporting both wildlife protection and community development.
President William Ruto emphasized during the launch that while compensation offers relief to affected families, prevention through conservation, fencing, and community-led tourism is the long-term solution. The government hopes that these measures will transform conflict into opportunity, ensuring that both people and wildlife can thrive side by side.
