A man from Kirinyaga County is receiving treatment after sustaining serious injuries following a hippopotamus attack near River Thiba in Mwea West.
The incident occurred in Gakungu village, Thiba Ward, where the victim had reportedly gone about his normal activities near the river before encountering the wild animal. According to local accounts, the hippo suddenly turned aggressive and attacked him, leaving him with severe injuries.
Residents who heard his distress calls rushed to the scene and found him badly wounded. They quickly organised his transfer to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, where he is currently admitted and undergoing treatment.
The attack has raised fresh concerns among residents over rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area, particularly involving hippos that inhabit River Thiba. Locals say the animals frequently stray from the river into nearby farms and villages, posing a constant threat to human life.
Area leaders and residents have now called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to step up measures to prevent further attacks, including increased monitoring and intervention to keep the animals away from human settlements.
The incident underscores the growing challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with the safety of communities living near natural habitats.
