A cross-border investigation is underway following a devastating wildlife poisoning incident near Amboseli National Park that has left at least six lions and 34 vultures dead.
The animals are believed to have died after feeding on a cow carcass that had been deliberately laced with poison in the Kitenden area along the Kenya–Tanzania border. The incident, which occurred two days ago, has been described by conservationists as one of the most serious poisoning cases ever recorded within the Amboseli ecosystem.
In response, the leadership of Kitenden Conservancy and the Orgulului/Olalarashi Group Ranch has imposed an immediate ban on livestock grazing by herders from Kitenden village in Tanzania. The restriction will remain in force until suspects are arrested and all legal processes concluded.
Orgulului/Olalarashi Group Ranch chairman Daniel ole Leturesh said the ban is intended to compel cooperation with investigators and restore accountability.
“No livestock from Kitenden village will be allowed into the conservancy until the culprits are identified and handed over to authorities. Accountability must come first for harmony to prevail,” Leturesh said.
The move has received support from leaders on both sides of the border. Olmolo Ward councillor in Tanzania’s Longido District, Loomoni Olesiate Mole, said the temporary restriction is necessary to prevent community conflict while ensuring justice for the wildlife.
“This measure is meant to stop conflict between communities and to ensure justice for the wildlife,” Mole said.
Tanzanian authorities have also pledged firm action. John Magembe, Chief Officer for Wildlife Management at the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, said the government of Tanzania will ensure that all those involved are arrested and prosecuted.
Kitenden Conservancy chairman Sayialel Ole Noombaek echoed the hardline stance, insisting that grazing will not resume until all suspects are arraigned in court.
“Wildlife protection is non-negotiable,” Noombaek said.
Conservationists have raised particular concern over the loss of 34 vultures, noting that the birds are among the most endangered species in the region. Vultures play a critical role in disease control and maintaining ecological balance, and their continued poisoning poses a serious threat to the health of the Amboseli ecosystem.
The Kitenden incident is now being viewed as a major test of cross-border cooperation, with conservation groups warning that failure to act decisively could reverse decades of conservation gains across the greater Amboseli landscape.
