Residents of Murang'a County are outraged by the increased presence of green cercopithecus or vervet monkeys, often known as 'tumbili,' and the harm they are bringing to their properties and crops.
Locals are now requesting that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) consider compensating them for the damages caused by the naughty primates.
"We've signed a petition asking Speaker Moses Wetangula to amend the Kenya Wildlife Conservation and Management Act to include these monkeys as wildlife species," Kihumbu-ini Ward Representative Gachui Mungai stated.
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Neighbors are urging KWS to compensate those who have suffered losses due to the monkey infestation.
"Whoever brought these monkeys from wherever they got them should return them." Alternatively, they should allow us to eliminate them because they devour what is meant for our consumption," said a resident of Kihumbu-ini.
He said that former Murang'a governor Mwangi wa Iria had set traps to catch the monkeys, but they were no longer effective.
"They come and steal whatever you make. They come into the house and take anything you're cooking, whether it's ugali, vegetables, matoke, or meat. Please assist us," another resident begged.
Residents have reported considerable losses owing to the invasion of monkeys into their crops and residences, which has been escalating for some time.
