Aasai

Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has caused a stir after urging President William Ruto to allow Kenyans to milk elephants and giraffes, saying locals deserve tangible benefits from wildlife that frequently invades and damages their property. He made the plea during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund in Meru County on Monday.

The governor lamented the long-standing struggle between communities and wild animals from nearby parks, suggesting that access to milk from animals like elephants and giraffes could serve as compensation. He pointed to the rising cost of milk, which has shot up from Sh30 to over Sh50 per litre, as a burden on residents already grappling with wildlife-related losses.

Mutuma acknowledged that Kenyan law currently bans the consumption of wildlife products but appealed directly to the president for special consideration. He argued that while animals like cows and goats are embraced for their milk, wild animals offer no such benefit despite their proximity to humans.

 Though his proposal may seem far-fetched, Mutumas remarks reflect deep-rooted frustrations among communities living near game reserves. As human-wildlife conflict continues to escalate, his call has reignited debate on how best to balance conservation with community livelihoods.