A 14-year-old boy, James Mwangi, was mauled to death by stray hyenas in Njoro, Nakuru County, leaving the local community in shock and mourning. James, a Grade 7 student from Sinendet Village, went missing on Friday evening after visiting his mother at her workplace. When he didn’t return home, his family reported him missing at Naishi Police Station and launched a desperate search.
Two days later, farm workers found shreds of his torn school uniform and scattered remains in a nearby maize field. Police and Kenya Wildlife Service officers confirmed the attack was caused by hyenas, whose tracks were found at the scene. Area chief Lewis Kiaraho stated, “We found intestines and torn clothes. It was clear what had happened.”
James’s mother, Peris Wangui, was devastated, saying, “I just wish I could get more remains of him, which I can bury and get closure.” The community has witnessed frequent hyena attacks in recent months, with the wild animals straying from Lake Nakuru National Park and preying on livestock and children. Residents complain that despite repeatedly notifying Kenya Wildlife Service, little action has been taken to prevent the recurring attacks.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for better wildlife management and compensation for affected families. Villagers are demanding faster response times, fencing of park boundaries, and government support as human-wildlife conflict continues to rise in the region.
