Farmers in Kenya's Kimana area, bordering Amboseli National Park, are disputing claims that cyanide poisoning caused the deaths of 15 elephants. The elephants were found with tomatoes and watermelons in their stomachs, and preliminary tests by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) detected cyanide. However, local farmers expressed skepticism about the findings, asserting that cyanide is not among the pesticides they use and that such chemicals are regulated by the government.
Elvis Muchai, a tomato farmer in Kimana for two decades, stated he had never heard of farmers poisoning wildlife and questioned how cyanide could have entered the ecosystem. He highlighted that the community has long coexisted with elephants, despite the animals frequently raiding crops, especially during the dry season. Muchai lost approximately half an acre of his tomato crop to elephants last season, estimating the damage at 500,000 Kenyan shillings (about $3,800).
Another farmer, Rymondy Mrosso, also questioned the possibility of local pesticides being the cause, pointing out that other animals and livestock also graze in the vicinity. "If the crops were poisoned, why were only the elephants affected?" he asked.
The KWS announced the deaths last month, noting that the elephants exhibited signs of paralysis and difficulty breathing. Dr. Isaac Lekolool, head of veterinary services at KWS, confirmed that preliminary laboratory tests detected cyanide and that postmortem examinations found plant matter consistent with tomatoes in the elephants' stomachs. He added that further laboratory tests are being conducted to determine cyanide concentration and that watermelon was also consumed. Lekolool urged caution regarding the handling and use of pesticides on farms but disputed theories that cyanide might be present due to illegal mining activities.
The human-wildlife conflict is an escalating issue in the region as agricultural activities expand closer to Amboseli park. According to Kenya's National Elephant Plan, conflict between people and elephants is the second leading cause of elephant deaths in the country after poaching. Between 2000 and 2020, at least 1,160 elephants died in incidents related to self-defense or retaliatory killings by communities protecting their crops, property, and lives.
Duncan Juma, communications director for the Kenya Wildlife Service, however, ruled out human-wildlife conflict as the cause for these specific deaths, stating that "the community loves these animals."
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the suspected cyanide poisoning. Ben Wandago, IFAW's East Africa Director, emphasized the need to address the root causes of human-wildlife conflict and implement coexistence solutions for communities living near the park. He also stressed the importance of strict control and responsible handling of toxic substances to prevent environmental contamination.
Kimana is a significant agricultural area, producing tomatoes, onions, and French beans for markets in Nairobi. The investigations into the source of the cyanide and the exact circumstances of the elephants' deaths are ongoing.