Kitui South incoming MP and Kitui County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries, CPA Gladys Mami Kivoto, on Sunday April 26, 2026 visited the family of the late Pastor Elizabeth Kaviti Maithya, who was tragically killed by a stray elephant on Saturday evening in Kakuyuni Village, Ilamba Sub-location, Kanziko/Simisi Ward.

The late Elizabeth Maithya, who was businesswoman and also a pastor at WPC Church Ngali, was reportedly attacked by the elephant while returning home from her shop on Saturday evening.

According to family members and residents, the tragic attack also left her son seriously injured as he attempted to rescue his mother from the elephant. He sustained injuries on his left shoulder and is currently recuperating at Mutomo Hospital.

The incident sparked anger among local residents, who accused leaders and especially the area MP and relevant authorities of failing to address the recurring cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area.

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Speaking to Ukambani News Hub, residents expressed frustration over the increasing elephant attacks that have continued to claim lives and destroy property in many parts of Kanziku/Simisi ward.

The residents further claimed that they had unsuccessfully sought help from the area MP following the incident. “When this incident happened, we reached out to the MP, but she said she cannot step into this area, claiming she was previously chased away by residents the last time she visited,” alleged one resident.

During her visit to the bereaved family, Gladys Mami Kivoto conveyed her heartfelt condolences describing the incident as heartbreaking assuring residents that addressing insecurity caused by wild animals would be among her top priorities should she be elected the next Member of Parliament for Kitui South.

She noted that residents of Kanziko and neighbouring areas have suffered for years due to frequent invasions by elephants, leading to deaths, injuries and destruction of crops.

CO Gladys Kivoto called for urgent intervention from both the Kenya Wildlife Service and the national government to urgently intervene and provide a lasting solution to the growing human-wildlife conflict affecting residents of Kanziko, Simisi and neighbouring areas.

Residents urged the Kenya Wildlife Service and national government to act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives, saying communities in the area continue to live in fear due to the increasing movement of elephants into human settlements.

The tragic death of Pastor Elizabeth Maithya now adds to the growing list of victims of elephant attacks in Kitui South, with residents demanding immediate action before more lives are lost.

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