Recent videos showing flames and smoke billowing from Mount Longonot have gone viral on social media, leading many to believe that the dormant volcano had suddenly erupted. These dramatic clips sparked widespread panic among Kenyans, with some fearing a repeat of past volcanic activity. However, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has stepped forward to clear up the confusion, confirming that the fires were, in fact, bushfires and not a volcanic eruption.
KWS immediately dismissed the eruption rumors as “outright lies” and warned the public about the dangers of misinformation. The authority clarified that the fires, which have been reported near the mountain, are most likely the result of human activity. These include potential causes such as a discarded cigarette, deliberate vegetation burning, or even illegal activities like arson by charcoal burners and pastoralists grazing animals in the area.
Mount Longonot National Park is particularly prone to bushfires, especially during dry seasons when the vegetation becomes dry and highly combustible. Past incidents of bushfires have been frequent, with large areas of the park burned due to human actions. In 2009, more than 4,600 hectares were consumed by fire, and in 2021, reckless hikers were blamed for fires that ravaged over 40 hectares.
While Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano, it last erupted in 1863, making it inactive for more than 160 years. Although it shows minor seismic activity from time to time, such as in 2007-2008 and 2013, these incidents have not required evacuations. Despite its long dormancy, the volcano is continuously monitored by KWS, as it lies within the active East African Rift system, which could potentially reactivate it in the future.
KWS has also expressed concerns about the wildlife in the region, particularly how bushfires force animals like zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes to flee into nearby residential areas, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict. This has created additional safety challenges for local communities.
