Tragedy as man killed in hippo attack in Yatta

The victim, whose identity had not been released by the time of reporting, had gone to the river in the company of a friend. According to eyewitness accounts, he accidentally stepped on the animal while climbing over stones near the riverbank, unaware that a hippo was resting beneath the water’s surface.

Startled, the hippopotamus charged, plunging into the river and attacking the young man. His friend, who was standing on the riverbank, screamed for help as the animal mauled him, inflicting severe injuries.

The victim was rushed towards Kitui Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries on the way. His body was later transferred to Machakos Hospital mortuary.

The incident has left the community shaken, with residents expressing fear over the increasing human-wildlife conflict along the Athi River.