UP Trending: The demise of ‘Mohawk’ marks the fourth lion death in two months at the hands of KWS
After a slew of KWS lion killings, the public is left wondering if KWS has another motive in mind, apart from saving wildlife. The horrific video that went viral yesterday shows a brutal killing of a symbol of Kenya by the hands of the KWS wardens. What was the reason? As KWS puts it, they “ran out of darts.”
WTF?
This is so outrageous (and embarrassing) that we’re even making international news, this headline on the Washington Post says it all:
“Rangers just killed one of Kenya’s most famous lions because they didn’t have tranquilizers.”
According to Wildlife champion, Rabia Hawa, KWS has a track record of mishandling wildlife gone astray. She says it can go to extremes. “When they shoot an animal I know for a fact, they quickly butcher the animal and distribute the meat. Like what they did to the buffalo that was beached on Manda Bay, which posed no harm to anyone.”
People are up in arms and can’t believe that KWS would murder wildlife they are meant to protect. On twitter for example, the #JusticeForMohawk feed has a number of passionate comments:
@CNyakundiHi: “For all the tears Kenyans have shed after the brutal killing of an innocent lion, we must do something. #JusticeForMohawk”
@Masaku_: “The people entrusted to protect our wildlife are the ones killing them. I feel betrayed #JusticeForMohawk”
@LarryAsego: “#JusticeForMohawk when a Deputy County Commissioner is shocked that KWS opted to shoot the lion then you know things are bad.”
The latest killing comes on the heels of the death of beloved “Mohawk”, our feline patron who was loved around the world, having been photographed by hundreds of visiting photographers. He met his end whilst strolling on a farm in Isinya after being pestered and aggravated by a crowd, which hurled stones and collectively called for the animal’s death, “Ua, Ua”. The lion then lashed out and pawed an onlooker, injuring him.
“Mohawk did not appear to be concerned about all the cars behind him and he continued to walk at a leisurely pace as he enjoyed the freshness of the morning,” Gareth Jones wrote in the Star newspaper.
People are left wondering if and when the killing will stop or if there is any real accountability or public policy regarding protecting wildlife who stray into the communities.
“The press statements KWS give us do not answer the questions that the public are desperately asking. Their mandate is protection and accountability,” Rabia added.
These incidents bring to light an increasing debate over how to handle human wildlife conflict in Kenya.
Mansur Kara, a member of the Kenyans for Wildlife Community is deeply saddened by this series of lion killings.
“There will be a letter of Demand by the people of Kenya out within hours. There is much to follow on this issue and Kenyans and global citizens have a major role to play as it unfolds. Unconfirmed government leaders and poor KWS communications are adding to the issues. People of Kenya and people of the world will have to stand up and be heard!”
