Invade Farms

The East African Standard (Nairobi)

June 4, 2004

Nairobi

Hippos and crocodiles have invaded farms on the banks of River Yala in Gem constituency.

Siaya County Council chairman Daniel Amoth and Councillor Chris Otembo yesterday said the animals had destroyed vegetables and maize in South-West and West Gem, Wagai Division.

They accused the Government of failing to rein in the animals.

Recently, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo caused a stir in Parliament when he accused the Government of "planting" the crocodiles in River Yala to terrorise his people.

Yesterday, Councillor Otembo said a boy was almost attacked by a crocodile recently.

The leaders appealed to the Kenya Wildlife Service to tame the animals to avert further destruction.

If no action is taken, Otembo warned, locals will hunt down and kill the animals.

"Two years ago we killed a hippo and the rest of them disappeared. Now that they have resurfaced, we will have no option but to harm ourselves," he said.