KWS Issues Warning After Residents Kill and Consume Hyena in Kiambu

By Ken Muthomi - Reporter

Kenya, 12 April 2026 - The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a public health warning after some residents of Thika killed a hyena and allegedly prepared its meat.

In a statement, KWS said the incident occurred on Saturday around 8:00 am, when residents found the animal feeding on dumped poultry remains in Kamenu Location, Thika West Sub-County, near Thika Town.

The Residents chased, captured, and slaughtered the animal before response teams from KWS arrived at the scene.

Some Individuals involved in the incidents are said to have fled the scene with parts of the carcass, including internal organs, thus prompting concerns over potential disease transmission in the area.

As scavengers, hyenas are known carriers of dangerous diseases, including zoonotic diseases such as rabies, Anthrax, and Brucellosis, as well as foodborne infections like salmonella and E. coli, according to KWS.

More from Kenya

South West State Assembly Swears In 95 Members in Baidoa.

PSG Retains Champions League Crown After Penalty Shootout Heartbreak For Arsenal

“Members of the public are strongly warned not to handle or consume any meat from the animal. Protect your health. Say No to Bush Meat,” KWS said.

Members of the public have been cautioned against handling or consuming any meat from the animal. Those who may have taken parts of the animal are urged to surrender them immediately to the relevant authorities.

Anyone who has already been exposed to the meat has been advised to ensure that they visit the nearest healthcare facility for immediate medical attention.

Furthermore, KWS has noted that killing and consuming wildlife is illegal and punishable under the law.

The illegal killing and consumption of wildlife is classified as poaching, and individuals found guilty of this risk fines of over Ksh 20 million or even life imprisonment.

In late February, a multi-agency team apprehended four suspects involved in bushmeat activities in Gikambura, Kiambu County, recovered six sacks of de-boned zebra meat, one fully skinned zebra carcass, and fifteen frozen meat packages.

The service warned that the consumption of bushmeat can endanger human health due to the absence of regulated veterinary controls.