Three people were trampled to death by elephants in different incidents in Kwale and Laikipia districts at the weekend.

In Laikipia, Thuo Kariuki, who was in a group of villagers, driving away a herd of about 20 elephants, which had invaded their village from the neighbouring Marmanet Forest was attacked and killed.

"His body was discovered this morning (Monday) after he did not turn up at home," said Mr Jackson Machomba, the area councillor.

"KWS rangers are on the ground gathering more details," Laikipia Senior Game Warden, Mr Dickson Too said.

The incident occurred barely a week after KWS personnel arrested five suspected poachers with an elephant’s calf and Impala meat. The suspects, believed to be employees at the government-owned Agricultural Development Corporation Mutara Ranch, were also found in possession of three rifles, provided to guards at the ranch.