Lake Nakuru National Park has been engulfed in flames as tensions escalated during protests over the disappearance of local fisherman Brian Odhiambo.
Outraged demonstrators set parts of the park on fire following days of unrest. The protests began after Odhiambo was allegedly detained by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers on January 19 for fishing in a restricted area, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Elizabeth Auma, Odhiambo’s mother, recounted the last time she saw her son. “I witnessed two officers arrest Brian near the park’s fence and forcefully put him into their vehicle. I begged them to let us resolve the matter, but they ignored me and drove away,” she said.
Protests intensified as youth barricaded roads leading to the park, lighting bonfires and piling stones to block access to the popular tourist destination. Clashes between protesters and anti-riot police turned violent, with officers using tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The demonstrations, now entering their fifth day, reached a boiling point when parts of the park were set ablaze, threatening its vital ecosystem and status as a key revenue generator for Nakuru County.
Despite reports that six KWS officers linked to Odhiambo’s disappearance had been arrested, anger continues to boil over, with protesters demanding justice and answers. Nakuru East DCIO Samwel Ngeiywo confirmed the arrests, but this has done little to quell the unrest.
The protests also shed light on ongoing disputes over fishing rights in Lake Nakuru, which have led to fatalities and disappearances over the years.
This alarming incident coincides with another wildfire in Isiolo County, which has ravaged nearly 300,000 acres of land and displaced residents in four villages. According to County Commissioner Geoffrey Omunde, the Isiolo blaze was sparked by human activity, including honey harvesting and efforts to clear pests.
Both incidents underscore the urgent need for sustainable management of Kenya’s natural resources and conflict resolution to prevent further damage and loss of life.
