KWS warns as residents flee with hyena meat after dramatic kill in Thika
By Mustafa Juma, April 11, 2026The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an urgent public health warning after residents in Thika killed a hyena and made away with parts of its meat in a chaotic early morning incident.
KWS, in a statement issued via X on Saturday, April 11, 2026, said the hyena was spotted at around 8:00 a.m. in Kamenu Location within Thika West Sub-County, where it had been feeding on improperly dumped poultry remains.
The presence of the wild animal quickly drew attention from locals, who surrounded it before chasing, killing, and slaughtering it.
Residents flee with carcass parts
By the time response teams arrived at the scene, the situation had escalated, with several individuals having already fled with parts of the carcass, including internal organs.
“This morning at around 0800hrs, a hyena was found feeding on dumped poultry remains in Kamenu Location, Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County (near Thika). The animal was surrounded by residents, chased, killed, and slaughtered before response teams arrived. Several individuals fled with parts of the carcass, including internal organs,” KWS stated.
Disease risk
Authorities have expressed concern over the handling and possible consumption of the meat, warning that such actions pose serious health risks.
KWS cautioned that hyenas, being scavengers, are highly likely to carry dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans. These include Rabies, Anthrax, Brucellosis, as well as foodborne infections such as Salmonella infection and E. coli infection.
“Members of the public are strongly warned not to handle or consume any meat from the animal. Hyenas are scavengers and may carry dangerous diseases such as Rabies, Anthrax, Brucellosis, and foodborne infections like Salmonella infection and E. coli infection,” the statement read.
Medical help
Authorities have urged anyone who may have come into contact with the animal or its meat to seek immediate medical attention.
Residents were also directed to surrender any remaining portions of the carcass to authorities to prevent further risk.
“𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲:-Do not consume the meat-Surrender it immediately to authorities-Seek medical attention if exposed-The killing and consumption of wildlife is illegal and punishable by law,” KWS advised.
KWS further reminded the public that the killing and consumption of wildlife is illegal and punishable under Kenyan law.
The agency reiterated its call for communities to avoid bush meat and to report sightings of wild animals to the relevant authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands.
The incident has raised concerns about waste disposal practices, as improperly discarded food remains can attract wild animals into human settlements.