Police in the Limuru constituency of Kiambu county are investigating the disappearance and presumed death of a 40‑year‑old farmer who was discovered in Uplands forest, apparently having been eaten by wild animals suspected to be hyenas.
James Mwai’s relatives spotted his clothing in a densely vegetated area near the forest, close to their Roromo village dwelling.
Sub‑county police commander Mary Gachie also reported that a metal rod used in the victim’s leg was found among the items.
“The victim sustained a leg fracture, necessitating a metal rod, which we recovered during the investigation,” she explained.
John Mbuthi, the farmer’s father, said his eldest son had vanished a week earlier and the family had reported the disappearance to the Kinyogori chiefs’ office.
They had searched for him only to discover his clothing and a metal implant near the forest, but no bones were recovered.
The incident has sparked alarm in the village, as residents fear hyenas have begun preying on livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats.
Farmer Anne Wachuka reported that hyenas appear around 5 p.m. and leave the area by 7 a.m.
“Those who start work at dawn have witnessed them. It creates a sense of dread, especially for families with school‑aged children,” she added.
“The animals devour our calves and grazing animals and hover near homes at night, checking for stray livestock. We normally keep animals inside shelters, including cows,” Wachuka explained.
The village hosts multiple schools, including Murengeti Comprehensive, Kinyogori Comprehensive, Kanyekini Comprehensive, senior secondary schools and several ECDE centres.
Wachuka noted that hyenas nesting in burrows close to the rail line connecting Limuru town to Uplands station.
Politician Stephen Mwangi expressed concerns that the local community has reported hyena activity to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) without effective action.
Pwl party hopeful Mwangi urged the KWS to compensate the bereaved family and requested the agency to station officers and a transport vehicle at the Limuru office.
Village members, led by Mbuthi, visited the KWS headquarters in town to ask for traps to be set along Roromo village, aiming to curb the threat.
“Trapping these animals and relocating them to a wildlife park would restore our sense of security. Right now, we live in fear as the animals seem to be attracted to human flesh,” said Augustine Chege of Roromo.
Gachie said investigators remain focused on uncovering the events preceding the attack.