Kirinyaga: Locals in fear after man, 43, left fighting for his life after hippo attack

Residents of Kiumbu and neighboring villages in Mwea East Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, are living in fear following a series of night invasions by hippos.

The latest incident left 43-year-old Peter Kariuki Nduku of Kiumbu Village fighting for his life at a hospital in Ngurubani after he was attacked by a hippo inside his compound.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Kariuki said the attack occurred at around 11:30 p.m. as he stepped outside to answer a call of nature.

“At first, I thought they were thieves, but I was knocked down several times before I realized it was a hippopotamus. I suffered injuries to my head, chest, and hands. I raised an alarm, and neighbors and relatives responded quickly. The hippo disappeared, and I was rushed to hospital,” he said.

Kariuki’s cousin, Simon Muchiri, said the animal is believed to have strayed from River Thiba, located about one kilometre from the homestead.

“Residents and relatives responded immediately. The only problem is that my cousin was standing when the hippo attacked and did not understand what was happening. I wish he had lain down. However, he is now out of danger and continuing with treatment,” said Muchiri.

Kiarukungu Location Chief Henry Kariuki said residents are increasingly worried as the hippos continue roaming into villages, posing a threat to both adults and children.

“It is reported that two people from this area have already been attacked by hippos. This is a serious situation, especially when the animals are entering homesteads while children are going to school. KWS must intervene urgently,” the chief said.

He added that the animals are suspected to have migrated from Masinga Dam after waters from Rivers Thiba, Rupingazi, Murubara, and Nyamindi drained into the area.

Residents, led by Gudson Muchina, accused the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of failing to act despite repeated complaints over the growing threat.

“We have been complaining about these hippos for a very long time. Three people have suffered serious injuries from attacks by hippos living in River Thiba — one in Gakungu, another in Ngomano, and now Kariuki. What is KWS waiting for? Are they waiting to collect a dead body?” posed Muchina.