KWS Issues Public Health Warning After Residents Killed and Ate a Hyena in Thika

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a public health warning following a disturbing incident in Kamenu Location, Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County, where residents killed a hyena and shared its meat.

According to KWS, the incident occurred at around 8:00am when the animal was found feeding on improperly dumped poultry remains within the area. The sight quickly drew the attention of locals, who gathered at the scene, surrounded the hyena and eventually chased, killed and slaughtered it.

By the time wildlife response teams arrived, the situation had already escalated. Several individuals had fled with different parts of the carcass, including internal organs, raising serious concerns over potential exposure to dangerous diseases.

In its advisory, KWS strongly cautioned members of the public against handling or consuming any meat from the animal, warning that hyenas, being scavengers, are high-risk carriers of infections.

The agency noted that such animals may harbour diseases including rabies, anthrax and brucellosis, as well as foodborne infections like Salmonella and E. coli, all of which pose significant health risks to humans.

The warning comes at a particularly sensitive time for Thika residents, following recently confirmed reports of a rabies outbreak in several wards within the sub-county. In response, the Kiambu County Government has rolled out a free mass vaccination campaign targeting dogs and cats, set to run from April 13 to April 22, 2026.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Development, the exercise is aimed at containing the spread of the deadly virus, which can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals.

“Following reports of a rabies outbreak in different wards of Thika Sub-County, this office has organised free vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats,” said Dr. K. Maina, the Veterinary Officer in charge of Thika Sub-County.

Health officials emphasise that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination and avoiding exposure critically important.

KWS has therefore urged anyone who may have come into contact with the hyena carcass or consumed the meat to seek immediate medical attention. Those still in possession of any part of the animal have been advised to surrender it to authorities without delay.

The incident has also brought to light the dangers of poor waste disposal, with officials warning that dumping animal remains in open areas can attract wild animals into residential zones, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict.

Additionally, KWS reminded the public that the killing and consumption of wildlife is illegal and punishable by law under Kenya’s conservation regulations.

As investigations continue, authorities are calling on residents to remain vigilant, avoid bush meat, and take advantage of ongoing vaccination efforts to safeguard both human and animal health.

KWS emphasised: “Protect your health. Say no to bush meat.”