Migori Family Seeks Compensation and Trauma Support After Baboon Assault on Child

A family in Migori County is appealing for urgent action from wildlife authorities.

This is after their 9-year-old daughter was left nursing serious injuries following a terrifying baboon attack at their home in Kadem village, Suna West Sub-County.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon as the young girl, identified by her family as Faith Akinyi, was playing outside their compound while her mother prepared lunch indoors

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According to witnesses, the baboon emerged from a nearby thicket before jumping over a fence and charging toward the child without provocation.

I heard her screaming and when I rushed out, the baboon had already grabbed her arm and was biting her repeatedly,” said the girl’s mother, Mary Atieno, visibly shaken. “I threw stones and shouted, but it only got more aggressive. It was like it wanted to drag her away.”

Neighbors who responded to the screams managed to scare the animal off using clubs, whistles, and banging metal containers, forcing it to retreat toward the bushes.

Faith was rushed to Migori County Referral Hospital where doctors treated deep bite wounds on her right arm, back, and thigh, as well as multiple scratches on her face and chest.

Medical reports indicate that the girl suffered soft tissue injuries and trauma but is now in stable condition after receiving tetanus and anti-rabies shots.

Doctors recommended continued observation due to the risk of infection and emotional distress.

Area residents say baboons have become increasingly bold, often raiding homes for food, attacking livestock, and confronting people during the day.

Many attribute the surge to prolonged drought, human-wildlife conflict, and encroachment on natural habitats.

Kadem village elder Paul Ochieng condemned the attack, saying the community has filed repeated complaints with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) without adequate intervention.

“We are not against wildlife, but these animals are now living among us, and our children are no longer safe,” Ochieng said.

“We want KWS to capture or relocate these baboons before we witness another tragedy — or a death.”

KWS Migori County warden Joab Nyamweya acknowledged receiving the report and said a rapid response team has been deployed to track the animal and assess the situation.

Human safety remains our priority,” Nyamweya said. “We urge residents to avoid feeding or provoking wildlife, secure food stores, and report sightings immediately. Our team is working to contain the problem and establish long-term mitigation measures.”

The family has since reinforced their compound fence and is urging authorities to consider compensation for medical bills and trauma support, citing the emotional toll the attack has taken on the child.