UGM calls for probe into deaths of 15 Amboseli elephants

The United Green Movement (UGM) Party has demanded urgent government action following the deaths of 15 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, calling for a thorough investigation into the suspected cyanide poisoning and stricter regulation of hazardous pesticides.

In a statement on Friday, UGM expressed concern over preliminary laboratory findings indicating traces of cyanide in samples collected from the elephants by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), saying the incident underscored the need for stronger enforcement of environmental and pesticide regulations.

The party said the deaths highlighted broader concerns over the use of hazardous agricultural chemicals and called for thorough investigations into whether pesticides or other toxic substances contaminated the elephants' feeding areas.

However, KWS has maintained that investigations are still underway and has cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions before the inquiry is completed.

KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said preliminary laboratory analysis detected traces of cyanide in samples taken from the elephants, but authorities have not established how the chemical entered the animals' food chain.

"We don't know how this happened," Kanga said on Friday during World Rangers Day celebrations, announcing the formation of a multi-agency team to investigate the source of the poisoning.

The team will be coordinated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) and will include agencies responsible for regulating pesticides and environmental protection.

UGM called for a comprehensive review of pesticide use near wildlife habitats.

The party urged the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), PCPB and county governments to conduct transparent investigations, enforce existing pesticide regulations, audit chemical supply chains, strengthen public education on safer farming practices, test nearby produce, livestock and water sources, provide clear public health guidance to surrounding communities, and consider banning pesticides it described as highly hazardous.

KWS, however, said investigations have not established the exact source of the cyanide and stressed that laboratory analysis is continuing.

Samples collected from the carcasses were submitted to the University of Nairobi, the Government Chemist and other specialised laboratories.

The agency said preliminary findings from the University of Nairobi detected a potentially toxic substance in several samples, while further quantitative analysis is being undertaken to determine its concentration and significance.

Tests by the Government Chemist were negative for the substances initially screened, with additional analysis for other possible toxins continuing.

Investigators are also analysing water sources and environmental samples from affected areas to determine whether the elephants were exposed to a common contamination source.

Earlier, KWS said preliminary findings suggested the elephants may have ingested toxic substances, with pesticides among the possible sources being investigated, although further toxicological and environmental tests are continuing.

According to KWS, the deaths occurred between June 24 and July 24 in the Amboseli ecosystem, including Amboseli National Park, Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuku Ranch.

The agency said 10 elephants initially developed similar symptoms, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand before dying within one to two days.

The remaining five carcasses were too decomposed or had been scavenged, making it difficult to establish the cause of death.

Most of the affected animals were adult females and calves, with only one adult male among the fatalities.

Kanga said the incident occurred in an area experiencing increased agricultural activity, noting that Kimana is a major producer of tomatoes, onions, cabbages and watermelons.

He said expanding farming activities and changing land use have increased interactions between wildlife and agricultural communities, making it important to strengthen measures that support coexistence between conservation and farming.

KWS has intensified surveillance across the Amboseli ecosystem as investigations continue and says the multi-agency team will determine how the cyanide entered the elephants' food chain and recommend measures to prevent a similar incident