Kenya: 15 dead elephants likely poisoned by cyanide

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said 15 elephants found dead near Amboseli National Park over the past month were likely poisoned after eating tomatoes contaminated with cyanide-containing pesticides from nearby farms. Officials said the deaths occurred between June 24 and July 24, 2026, with ten elephants showing signs of paralysis before dying within two days and five others already dead when found. Investigators said cyanide was detected in samples from the carcasses and that tomatoes were found in the stomachs of several elephants, but they have not determined whether the contamination was deliberate and have for now ruled out foul play. KWS Director General Erustus Kanga warned the contamination could also affect livestock grazing in the area, and the wildlife charity IFAW called the deaths a major setback for one of Africa's key elephant populations.