Residents of Sanchawa, Komorama, Gibarori, and Nyaitara in Maeta ward, Kuria East, have expressed frustration over a monkey invasion that has led to chaos and significant losses for local farmers. The monkeys, which inhabit the nearby Maeta forest, have been wreaking havoc on crops, leaving residents concerned about potential food shortages.
Farmers reported that the monkeys initially targeted maize crops, but their destruction has now expanded to include other produce such as millet, sweet potatoes, and bananas. "At first, the monkeys would come down from the hill and attack our maize, but now they destroy everything in sight," lamented farmer Job Meremo.
To prevent the monkeys from invading their homes, residents have resorted to locking doors and windows at all times. Millcent Gati, a maize farmer, shared her distress over taking out a loan to invest in her farm, only to face devastation from the monkey attacks. "Now, I have nothing to feed my family or sell, and I still have debts to repay," she said.
The community is calling on the county government to take action against this growing menace.
