Forever Young. Forever a Hero.
Most ranger deaths don’t make headlines. But we believe it’s important to tell their stories, honour their sacrifice, and acknowledge the profound loss felt by their families and colleagues.
Kayock was a dedicated ranger working in Shulmai Community Conservancy in Kenya’s Laikipia County. Alongside his colleagues, he carried out daily patrols to help protect wildlife in an area known for its elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, giraffes, and more than 200 species of birds.
But the region also faces constant threats from human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and growing insecurity.
📷 Kayock (far right) and his team at Shulmai Community Conservancy
On the afternoon of 28th July 2025, Kayock and his ranger team were conducting a routine patrol when they were violently attacked.
Tragically, Kayock was shot and killed at the scene. Four of his colleagues were also injured.
Kayock was just 40 years old.
He left behind 11 dependents, including nine children.
📷 Kayock examining lion footprints while on patrol.
Sadly, Kayock was just one of the approximately 150 rangers who lose their lives each year while protecting nature – often through violence or accidents on the frontline of conservation.
And behind every fallen ranger is a family left to navigate unimaginable loss. Families who have not only lost a loved one, but often their only source of income, putting education, housing, and long-term stability at risk.
The Fallen Ranger Fund sits at the very heart of Thin Green Line. It’s the reason we started the Foundation in the first place. The Fund exists to support families in the aftermath of loss, including helping children continue their education, keeping families together in secure housing, and establishing small businesses that provide a path to sustainable income.
Kayock’s family chose to use their support from the Fallen Ranger Fund to continue the education of his six school-aged children, build secure housing for the family, and purchase farm animals that will help provide long-term income and stability.
We remain deeply touched by the compassion that Thin Green Line extended to the Shulmai fraternity. Your support goes beyond financial aid; it is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the welfare of rangers and their families around the world.
– Johnson Saidimu, Conservancy Manager, Shulmai Community Conservancy
We believe that no ranger should lose their life while protecting our natural world – our collective home.
But when tragedy does strike, families should not be left to face instability and uncertainty alone. Children should have the chance to stay in school. Families should have secure housing and hope for the future.
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We remain deeply touched by the compassion that Thin Green Line extended to the Shulmai fraternity. Your support goes beyond financial aid; it is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the welfare of rangers and their families around the world.
– Johnson Saidimu, Conservancy Manager, Shulmai Community Conservancy
Want to support rangers on the frontline of conservation?
