Migori farmers count losses as monkeys wreak havoc

The residents, the majority of whom are farmers, lamented that monkeys which stay in the neighbouring Maeta forest have been destroying their farm produce, putting them at risk of hunger.

The worst affected crops are maize, millet, sweet potatoes, and bananas.

"Initially the primates would come down from the hill and attack maize crops but of late, they do not choose, they destroy everything," said Job Meremo, a farmer.

Residents also said they have to lock their doors and windows at all times to prevent the monkeys from invading their homes.

Millcent Gati, a maize farmer, said she took out a loan to invest on farming, however, she has made losses as monkeys invaded her farm, leaving so little behind that she has nothing to feed her family on, leave alone sell.

"Now we have no food to eat or sell and I have a debt to repay," she lamented.

Locals appealed to the county government to deal with the menace.