The Kenya Wildlife Service has been forced to change its tact to protect its rangers from threat posed by illegal fishermen at lake Nakuru.

This followed a series of incitement perpetrated by the local politicians against the rangers manning the areas of Barut and Mwariki.

Lake Nakuru National Park Senior Warden Titus Mitau says the KWS had to come up with a plan to safeguard the lives of the servicemen.

The Assistant Director at Lake Nakuru National Park, Titus Mitau.

Photo credit: FILE

Speaking during an event to mark the world Rangers day, Mr Mitau regretted that politicians had decided to interfere with the work of KWS rangers, after inciting members of the community to stone any ranger they see around the area.

In order to avoid confrontation with the community, the KWS directed its officers to operate from within the park, leaving the lake waters which had overflown to the residential areas.

“Initially we used to protect the lake resource including the waters that flowed into the residential areas but following the threat to our officers, we decided to have them only protect the lake waters within the park,” says Mr Mitau.

The move has however left the community exposed as wild animals are able to escape out of the park through the 4 kilometre stretch that was damaged by the rising lake waters.

He regretted that cases of human wildlife conflict have been on the rise around the area.

“We as the KWS have been doing our best to protect the wildlife and the resources. However, the incitement by the politicians is risking our rangers’ lives. Even as we operate from inside the park, we are afraid wild animals have been moving out of the park,” explains Mr Mitau.

He however urges the community to complement the government in safeguarding the natural resources which he says are beneficial to all citizens.

He further refuted claims that KWS rangers have been colluding with illegal fishermen to get fish from the lake at night and called upon members who have evidence to share it with them.

Mr Mitau warns that any officer found culpable of colluding with illegal fishermen will be dealt with according to the law.

KWS sets strict rules for free entry to Lake Nakuru National Park on World Tourism Day

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia