Governor Mutuma wants Kenyans allowed to milk elephants, giraffes
Mutuma said locals have suffered for years due to recurring conflict with animals from nearby national parks and should be allowed to gain something from living near wildlife.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has asked President William Ruto to allow residents of Meru and other Kenyans to milk elephants and giraffes as a way of benefiting from wildlife that often damages their farms and homes.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund in Meru County, Mutuma said locals have suffered for years due to recurring conflict with animals from nearby national parks and should be allowed to gain something from living near wildlife.
“Your Excellency, tunajua kuwa na Meru National Park ni baraka nyingi kutoka kwa Mungu, lakini pia nimekuwa nikifiria ni kwa nini watu wa Meru na Wakenya wengine wanapenda mbuzi, kondoo, ng’ombe nikakuja kujua ni kwa sababu wanapata maziwa kutoka kwa ng’ombe na wanakunywa na tunauza,” he said.
Loosely translated as: “Your Excellency, we know that Meru National Park is a great blessing from God,” Mutuma said. “But I have been wondering why people love goats, sheep, and cows—it’s because they get milk from them, which they consume and sell.”
He explained that domestic animals like goats and cows are loved because they provide milk, and suggested that milking wildlife could help ease frustrations among communities living close to protected areas.
“Nikauliza ni kwa nini hatujatangamana na kufurahia ndovu, zebra, gazelles, na giraffes zetu. Nikakuja kujua ni vile watu wa Meru hawapati maziwa kwa hawa wanyama na pia sheria ya Kenya imewakataza kupata nyama kwa hawa wanyama,” he added.
Loosely translated as: “I asked myself why we haven’t engaged with our elephants, zebras, gazelles, and giraffes,” Mutuma said. “Then I realised people in Meru don’t get milk from these animals, and the law also doesn’t allow them to consume their meat.”
Mutuma further appealed to the president to give residents legal permission to milk elephants and giraffes, linking it to rising milk prices that he said have gone up from Sh30 to over Sh50 per litre.
“Sasa tunaomba utupe ruhusa tuanze kukamua ndovu na giraffe. Kupata maziwa kwa hawa wanyama ni hii compensation ambayo unatuletea siku ya leo.”
Loosely translated as: “We ask you to give us permission to start milking elephants and giraffes. That milk would be the compensation you’re bringing us today.”
Kenyan law currently prohibits the consumption of meat and milk from wild animals, except in cases where the animals are farmed and licensed under strict regulation.
The ban was introduced in 2004 to protect wildlife from illegal bushmeat trade and preserve endangered species.
Mutuma’s comments have sparked debate, with his proposal reflecting the frustration many communities face while dealing with wild animals, despite efforts like compensation funds.
