THARAKA NITHI COUNTY.
Relief has swept through villages in Tharaka after a stray lion that had been roaming the area for a week finally returned to its natural habitat.
The predator traced its way back into the protected area through the Kamacabi route, bringing an end to a tense, seven-day operation conducted by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to track the animal and protect the community.
Tharaka Nithi County Warden, Silvia Wangeci, confirmed the successful exit of the animal, reassuring the public that the danger has passed.
“The animal has safely returned to its natural habitat,” Warden Wangeci stated. “This eases the fears of residents who had raised serious safety concerns after the lion was spotted in several areas.”
During the seven days the lion was at large, panicked residents had restricted their movements and feared for the safety of their families and livestock. Following the official confirmation from wildlife authorities, local leaders have assured the public that it is now safe to resume normal daily activities.