Kenyan Officials Suspect Pesticides Killed 15 Elephants Near Amboseli

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) found cyanide traces in the elephants' stomachs after deaths between 24 June and 24 July, with some showing partial paralysis. Farmers in the Kimana area, part of the Amboseli ecosystem, say they have never seen such deaths. Daniel Nina, a landowners' representative, questioned why only elephants died while zebras and antelopes feeding in the same areas were unaffected.

Chief vet Dr Isaac Lekolool said deliberate poisoning is possible but the case is unprecedented. A 2024 report by Route to Food found cyanide-based insecticide use in the area, and author Wangunyu Njuguna noted weak enforcement of agrochemical bans, with toxic substances smuggled from Tanzania. Conservationist Paula Kahumbu said the pesticide claim lacks detailed evidence, and experts noted only one of the 15 elephants was an adult male, despite males being more likely to raid farms. Tomato farmer Stephen Michael reported losing cabbages worth nearly $1,535 to elephant raids.