Monkey invasion: Kirinyaga residents lament over primates pitch camp in their farms, homesteads

According to residents led by Simon Ndege Gitari and Richard Muchira, large troops of monkeys have taken over their farms and homes, destroying crops and causing chaos in the villages.

Speaking earlier today, Ndege said villagers are unable to keep their doors open or tend to their farms due to the constant intrusion of the animals believed to be coming from the nearby Thiba Dam area.

“The biggest concern is the damage they are causing to our crops,” said Ndege. “We can’t plant or harvest anything without them showing up.”

Muchira added that the monkeys have completely destroyed maize meant for silage and have been raiding fruit trees and cash crops.

“They’ve eaten all our fruits, banana bunches, coffee cherries, and macadamia nuts. Sometimes they even chase women around the homesteads,” he said.

The situation has become so severe that some residents have stopped attending church services for fear of the marauding animals.

“For the past three weeks, I haven’t gone to church. Even my grandchildren keep asking why. They don’t understand that the same animals we pray about are the ones causing us so much destruction,” lamented Gitari.

The frustrated villagers are now appealing to wildlife authorities to intervene and control the monkey menace before it gets worse.

Jane Wambui, another resident, said efforts to seek help from local authorities have been met with frustration.

“I went to the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Kianyaga, but they told me to go to their main office in Embu. We live in Kirinyaga—why should we have to travel to another county to get help? Where will we even get the fare?” she asked.

The residents are urging the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local leaders to take urgent action to protect their crops, property, and peace of mind.