Kenya: Passenger Dies As Bus Hits Buffaloes
Simon Siele and Mwangi Ndirangu
29 September 2009


Nairobi — A passenger died and several others were injured after a bus hit a herd of buffaloes and rolled on the Nakuru-Naivasha highway.

Two of the animals that had strayed from the Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy were also killed in the accident that occurred as the herd crossed the busy road at 4am.

The driver of the Kitale-bound bus, Mr Willy Njoroge, who sustained minor bruises, said he spotted the buffaloes when he was 10 metres from them and was unable to avoid hitting them.

"I hit one of the buffaloes first but due to its huge body it pushed the bus towards the other and it got stuck beneath the vehicle. I lost control and we rolled into a ditch," said Mr Njoroge, adding that the bus was carrying 27 passengers.

Tuesday's accident involving buffaloes is the sixth since July this year, with at least five people having died.

There are no road signs to warn drivers about the presence of wildlife in the area.

According to the conservancy's manager Charles Muthui, the animals have on numerous occasions strayed in search of water and pastures.


The management has appealed to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to consider allocating funds to put up an electric fence on the 10km stretch along the highway to prevent the animals from straying.

Crossing highway

Last Friday, two children were injured after being attacked by another buffalo from the same ranch as they were crossing the highway.

In Laikipia East District, two people suffered serious injuries after they were attacked by buffaloes that strayed into a market on Tuesday.

The animals, suspected to have come from the neighbouring Mutara Ranch, forced traders who had assembled at Ngareng'iro Market to close and flee at around noon.

Another person suffered minor injuries during the attack.

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quote:

Kathi, where do you find all the information you post?

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