The Standard newspaper story, ‘Outrage as Maasai Mara lions die under mysterious circumstances,’ quoted wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists expressing concern over the alleged killing of the lion ‘Oloshipa’, reported to be one of the Mara’s most loved.
The paper in the October 22 story reported the lion’s remains were discovered, but Narok County government and the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) allegedly had not acted on information regarding the death.
Earlier in the year, another lion named Lorkulup, a legendary member of the Rongai Pride dubbed the best buffalo hunter, was discovered dead at a grazing place, with a section of stakeholders disputing an explanation the lion’s death followed a hunting activity, The Standard wrote.
More lions have died in the Mara, such as Oloshipa in 2024, a dominant male, while Olobor, one of the most photographed lions in Mara, is reported to have disappeared without a trace. Three weeks before, six lions were saved from what veterinarians reported as poisoning. This followed the poisoning of five lions and 13 hyenas in February 2025.
Conservationists point a finger at corruption and lack of professional accountability to preserve one of Kenya’s big five. Journalists should question the Narok County government on these wildlife incidences, which risk the ecosystem of the Maasai Mara as an exclusive wildlife sanctuary. The death of the ‘king of the jungle’ could spell doom to the tourism sector.
Dr Bownaan Kamal, wildlife photographer and founder of Black Rockers Foundation (BRF), was quoted as saying there was a dark side to the Mara conservation that few dared speak about — concerning a hidden network manipulating the truth, silencing voices that dare speak up, while treating lions not as apex to predators but as commodities for fame, content and money-making.
“When we finally found Oloshipa’s remains in October, none of the so-called protectors came forward. No coordinates shared – no help offered. Only silence,” Dr Kamal said. Could some of these wildlife deaths be a pointer to a deep-rooted corruption syndicate of underground trophy hunters, guising under the human-wildlife conflict?
What could have changed between the Maa community, and the wildlife they have always coexisted with? How is climate change transforming the Maa community economy, influencing wildlife management?
Journalists should follow up these leads, as they are a concern for the community neighbouring the Mara, as they are to conservationists. Is there any effort to apprehend those involved in poisoning of lions and other life in the Mara?
According to Dr Kamal, guides were intimidated, evidence concealed, and those speaking out threatened. Journalists should probe the KWS for the answers, as the agency charged with protection of wildlife heritage. Media should not let these voices go silent in the wake of clandestine wildlife malpractices. Journalists should investigate if the chain of these deaths is an orchestrated process to decimate the age old sanctuary.
Meanwhile, the October 23 Star story, ‘Tragedy as baboon attacks, kills infant in Wajir,’ stated that a 25-day old baby girl, sleeping in the makeshift house as her mother went to fetch water, was attacked by baboons and killed, explained the unresolved human-wildlife problem. The story reported residents as saying such incidences were common.
Even with promises that solutions would consequently be found, media should keep these voices amplified for action. In May 2025, Kenya introduced the third phase of its Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme, to address these incidents and support affected families. During the launch at Meru National Park, President William Ruto unveiled the Wildlife Conservation Card as a new tool designed to help raise wildlife conservation funds and respond to human wildlife conflict.
