Former Chief Justice David Maraga’s United Green Movement (UGM) party has expressed deep concern over the deaths of 15 elephants in Amboseli National Park, attributed to cyanide poisoning.

In a statement released on July 31, 2026, the UGM highlighted preliminary Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) findings that detected cyanide traces in the elephant carcasses. The party suggested the poisoning may be linked to cyanide-contaminated tomatoes from nearby farms using hazardous pesticides, as well as unregulated artisanal mining activities.

UGM Criticizes Government's Environmental Oversight

The UGM party condemned the government for inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations. It accused authorities of failing to ban highly hazardous pesticides like glyphosate, paraquat, and chlorpyrifos, which remain in use despite bans in Europe and North America.

According to the party, the continued presence of these chemicals threatens both wildlife and human health and has contributed to the rejection of some Kenyan agricultural exports in international markets.

Calls for Immediate Action

The party urged the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), KWS, and county governments around Amboseli to collaborate on transparent investigations to identify the contamination source and its scope.

  • Conduct comprehensive environmental and water source testing
  • Enforce existing pesticide and environmental laws strictly
  • Audit supply chains of pesticides and toxic chemicals
  • Hold accountable those responsible for illegal use or sale of restricted chemicals
  • Issue public health advisories and provide compensation to affected communities
  • Invest in farmer education and promote safer agricultural alternatives near conservation areas
  • Require regular public reporting on contamination and enforcement actions

Demand for Total Ban on Hazardous Pesticides

Among its recommendations, UGM called for a complete ban on 202 hazardous pesticides still classified as restricted in Kenya but banned internationally. The party emphasized that Kenya’s wildlife and communities should not suffer due to lax enforcement.

Investigations into the cyanide poisoning incident remain ongoing, with conservationists and environmentalists closely monitoring the situation.