A man dies after being attacked by a hippo in Ewaso Nyiro River in Kajiado County on Sunday while fishing.
The hippo also injured another man at a water point.
Due to the rage of the villagers of Shompole in Kajiado West, they speared the hippo to death.
According to Shompole MCA Isaac Kiresian, the two men were fishing at the Ewaso Nyiro River when the hippo attacked them.
Further, he noted that six people have died in the area in a period of one year as cases of human/wildlife conflict have been on the rise in the area owing to the current drought.
“The southern part of the Ewuaso Nyiro River has dried up causing hippopotamuses to move to the northern part in search of water which is also used by most households in the area, thus the rising cases of human versus wildlife conflict,” said Kiresian.
The MCA has called upon members of the public to be vigilant to avoid such incidents.
“ Mathenge bushes which has invaded the area has made it difficult for the residents to easily spot the hippos while they are herding,” said Kiresian.
On his part, Kenya Wildlife Service Senior warden in Kajiado Daniel Kipkosgey says that KWS is assessing the circumstances regarding the death of the victim and added the agency is currently working with the family on burial plans.
“The multisectoral committee will determine whether the hippos will be relocated to another area though it is the last option given that it is costly and will disturb the ecosystem of that area,” he said.
Additionally, he has also noted that KWS is currently undertaking aerial surveys of the area to warn people in advance regarding where the wild animals are located.
