KWS probes viral video showing destruction of rare plant that takes decades to mature

The Giant Lobelia (Lobelia telekii), a rare alpine plant found in Kenya’s high-altitude ecosystems. (Photo: Kenya Wildlife Service)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Friday, June 12, 2026

Kenyans on social media have since called for the arrest of those involved, expressing outrage over the incident and urging authorities to take swift action, with the Giant Lobelia known to take up to 40 years to fully mature.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched investigations into a viral social media post capturing the deliberate destruction of Giant Lobelias, a rare alpine plant species that grows naturally in Kenya’s high-altitude mountain environments.

The TikTok video shows an identified man uprooting two of the plants while the person filming laughs throughout the incident.

The footage then cuts to another man carrying out the same act, as a woman looks on. At one point, the person recording can be heard encouraging him in Swahili to remove all of the plants.

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“Adapted to some of the harshest environmental conditions, these slow-growing plants play an important ecological role in supporting biodiversity and maintaining the health of fragile mountain ecosystems.”

According to the wildlife service, investigations have been launched to determine the video's authenticity, when and where the incident took place and the identities of those involved.

“Investigations are currently underway to verify the authenticity of the footage, determine where the incident occurred, and establish the circumstances surrounding it, including the individuals involved,” KWS said.

It added that should the allegations be substantiated, the agency will pursue appropriate action in accordance with the law.

KWS also warned against the destruction or illegal disturbance of protected wildlife, plants and fragile ecosystems, noting that such actions endanger Kenya’s natural heritage and undermine ongoing conservation efforts.

“KWS appreciates the vigilance of members of the public who have brought the matter to its attention and values the trust placed in the Service’s conservation mandate,” the agency said.