Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed that the 15 elephants found dead in the Amboseli National Park ecosystem succumbed to cyanide poisoning after ingesting pesticides sprayed on tomato farms in the area.
KWS Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga said preliminary laboratory results from samples collected from the carcasses revealed traces of the highly toxic substance.
The deaths, recorded over the past month, have raised concern among conservationists, local leaders and wildlife authorities.
Although KWS says the situation has since been contained, the agency is urging communities living around the park and nearby wildlife sanctuaries to remain vigilant and exercise caution when using agricultural chemicals.
Brenda Wanga reports.
