Another baboon attack in Section 58, as KWS plan to "scare them back to the park"
Nakuru’s notorious baboons have made their way to Section 58.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Bernard Ndung’u shared his encounter with baboons on January, 18, 2024 that not only turned his family time sour, but also left him with injuries.
"I was in Section 58 visiting my sister and her family when it all went down," he recalls.
Left alone in the house, he decided to watch some TV for entertainment and after a while, the TV’s signal was lost.
"I decided to open the window to check what may have happened to the cable. My action of opening the window must have startled the baby baboon that was within our compound."
Out of fear, the baby baboon shrieked calling the mother's attention, who then rushed over to the window.
"It all happened too fast and before I knew it, the mother baboon bit me on my left hand twice, leaving me with deep wounds that were profusely bleeding," Bernard narrates.
Bernard who's new in town decided to quickly phone his sister who then rushed home to take him to the nearest clinic.
"As a result of the attack, I had to get stitches and a rabies shot. At the moment, I need assistance in completing the simplest of tasks."
Due to the severity of his wound, Bernard who was only supposed to be visiting his family shortly has had to extend his stay in Nakuru.
"I can't leave Nakuru just yet since the stitches have to be constantly cleaned and changed and I have to finish the dosage of rabies shots," he notes.
After the hospital visit, Bernard shares that his sister reported the incident to the police and were afterwards given an OB number.
"Since then, KWS officers visited my sister’s place to take my photo and gave me a form to fill. However, they didn't share any plans of compensation."
Speaking on the incident, senior KWS Warden Joseph Dadacha shared, "The incident is very unfortunate and there are plans underway to deploy officers to the area to scare the baboons back to the park."
As he concluded the conversation, the warden advised locals against feeding the baboons since they are not tame animals.
"Another big thing to look out for is the proper disposal of edible waste. Edible waste attracts the baboons that are in search of food leaving you susceptible to an attack. As soon as you see one, make sure you close the doors or windows if you can or create a great distance between yourself and them," Joseph Dadacha closes off.