Kenya: UGM Demands Independent Probe Into 'Cyanide Poisoning' After Amboseli Elephant Deaths

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Capital FM report from Nairobi dated July 31, 2026, reported that Kenya’s United Green Movement (UGM) is demanding an independent inquiry into the deaths of 15 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem. The party described the case as alleged “cyanide poisoning” and said the incident should prompt tougher oversight of hazardous chemicals and pesticides.

According to the report, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) had earlier said preliminary laboratory work found a possible toxic substance in samples from some of the affected elephants, but cautioned that more toxicological tests are needed to identify the substance, its level and its source. KWS said the deaths occurred between June 24 and July 24 across Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and Kuku Ranch. Ten elephants reportedly showed similar symptoms, including partial paralysis before death, while five carcasses were too decomposed for a clear cause to be determined.

UGM, led by David Maraga, urged NEMA, the Pest Control Products Board, county governments and KWS to act transparently to establish whether water sources, farm chemicals or other toxins were involved. The party also called for audits of pesticide and toxic-chemical supply chains, stronger enforcement, testing of nearby water, produce and livestock, and restrictions on pesticides it said are banned in several European and North American markets.

KWS said veterinary teams collected samples and submitted them to the University of Nairobi, the Government Chemist and other laboratories. It also said environmental investigations and surveillance have been stepped up, while noting that it has no evidence so far of a risk to human health.