Wajir, Kenya (HornPost) –Tension has erupted in Wajir, Northeastern Somali region of Kenya after two giraffes were relocated from the region to a wildlife facility in Nanyuki, operated by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Residents and leaders in Wajir County have condemned the Kenya Wildlife Service for moving two giraffes from the region to Nanyuki. Locals call the act “unjust and secretive,” while KWS says it was a rescue from drought conditions.
The Northern Kenya Wildlife Conservation Alliance and local leaders condemned the move, accusing KWS of acting unlawfully and pursuing hidden interests by transferring the animals without consulting local authorities.
Regional officials argued that the decision undermines cooperation between communities and conservation agencies, calling for the immediate return of the giraffes to Wajir, where many others still roam freely.
In response, the Kenya Wildlife Service defended its actions, stating that the animals were rescued due to severe drought conditions in Wajir and because they were being kept by residents, which posed a risk to their welfare.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with residents questioning why only two giraffes were targeted for relocation instead of implementing a broader conservation strategy for the region.
PM Adow condemned this action of KWS:
Mohammed Aden Adow, Member of the National Assembly of Kenya and a former journalist who now represents the Wajir constituency in Kenya’s parliament, strongly condemned the two giraffes that were taken from the area and issued this statement in his Facebook page
“The leadership and people of Northeastern Kenya strongly condemn the secret and unlawful relocation of two orphaned Somali giraffes from Wajir to a private sanctuary in Nanyuki by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
These young giraffes, who lost their mother were being cared for and protected by local community members and conservation volunteers. Without any consultation or consent, KWS removed them from their natural landscape, violating established conservation principles, community rights, and the spirit of devolution.
No stakeholder was engaged in this decision: not local leaders, conservation experts, or the communities who have been on the frontline of wildlife protection. This act undermines trust and disregards the essential role that communities play in safeguarding wildlife.
We categorically reject this unilateral move and demand:
The immediate return of the two orphaned Somali giraffes to Wajir County.
Full transparency and accountability from KWS regarding the decision-making process and the involvement of any private entities.
A moratorium on further translocations of wildlife from Northern Kenya without formal consultation and consent from affected counties and communities.
An inclusive framework for wildlife management that recognizes community ownership, participation, and benefit-sharing.
This is not conservation. It is betrayal. True conservation must be community-centered, transparent, and lawful. Our people have shown unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife in harsh and challenging conditions. We will continue to do so, but we will not allow our wildlife to be removed for the benefit of others.
We say: enough is enough. KWS must respect the law, respect our communities, and return the giraffes to their rightful home.”
Pictures of Two Giraffes:
Prepared by:
Hornpost staff Reporter
