Monkey invasion: Kirinyaga residents lament over primates pitch camp in their farms, homesteads

 Residents of Kanderi and Kagongo villages in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, are crying out for help following a growing invasion of monkeys that has disrupted their daily lives and livelihoods.

According to residents led by Simon Ndege Gitari and Richard Muchira, large troops of monkeys have taken over their farms and homes, destroying crops and causing chaos in the villages.

Speaking earlier today, Ndege said villagers are unable to keep their doors open or tend to their farms due to the constant intrusion of the animals believed to be coming from the nearby Thiba Dam area.

“The biggest concern is the damage they are causing to our crops,” said Ndege. “We can’t plant or harvest anything without them showing up.”

Muchira added that the monkeys have completely destroyed maize meant for silage and have been raiding fruit trees and cash crops.

“They’ve eaten all our fruits, banana bunches, coffee cherries, and macadamia nuts. Sometimes they even chase women around the homesteads,” he said.