DP Gachagua said on Saturday that the government would send a team of security forces to the area to drive away the wild animals and counter the threat amid increasing attacks.

The deputy, however, attributed the increase in hyena attacks in Juja to abandoned quarries that could serve as hiding places for the hyenas before attacking the residents.

He was speaking at Paul Wetosi’s wedding to Jacinta Wanjiru, daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi, on the premises of Juja Preparatory School.

“We have learned from the Director General of the KWS that the problem of hyenas in Juja is also the abandoned quarries. The deaths are worrying. We are sending a team to capture and relocate the hyenas so that they do not become a nuisance. The quarries are also a security risk and can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Mr. Gachagua.

He was responding to Juja MP George Koimburi’s call for the government to intervene after a 52-year-old woman was recently bitten to death by a hyena.

The lawmaker said the wild animals had killed several people, including children, in the past five months.

The Vice President was accompanied at the wedding ceremony by his wife Pastor Dorcas and MPs Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha) and James Gakuya (Embakasi North).

In attendance were MCAs led by Godfrey Mucheke, Member of Parliament for Juja Kalimoni District and leader of the majority party in Kiambu District Assembly, among other politicians.

The Vice President also called on the population to be vigilant and support the government’s fight against illegal beer, drugs and substance abuse.

“In the fight against illegal alcohol consumption, we want to save broken families. Some young men and women have left their families because of the abuse of illegal alcohol and drugs,” he said.

DP Gachagua urged the newlyweds to strengthen their faith in God and protect the family, which is the foundation of the nation.

“We are happy to be part of this occasion. Paul and Shiru have made their parents proud by starting their own family and getting married. This is the true way to fight tribalism and create national cohesion. Kenya is one and we are all Kenyans. But that does not mean we forget our heritage and identity. We have traditions, customs and beliefs. Even as we come together as one people, we must remember our heritage,” he said.

Pastor Dorcas, for her part, advised the young couple to support each other in life and to ensure the well-being of the family.

“Marriages work. Some say they don’t work because they require a lot of work, tolerance and commitment. You have to be honest,” she said.