77-year-old man hospitalized with serious injuries after hyena attack in Isiolo

A 77-year-old man is nursing serious injuries at the Consolata Hospital Mathari in Nyeri after he was attacked by a hyena at Losira village in Oldonyiro, Isiolo County.

Akal Lekishe is said to have heard a commotion inside his sheep pen, but his efforts to save the livestock turned into a fight for his life as he came face-to-face with the beast.

David Lekishe, the victim’s son, said the Wednesday night incident saw his father sustain serious injuries to the head and ribs.

"My dad woke up to try and save his goats...the hyena was trying to find its way out but turned on my father because the door had shut itself from the inside," narrated David.

The long and tiring 65km journey from Isiolo to Nanyuki in search of treatment almost turned fruitless as they were not attended to at the Cottage Hospital due to the ongoing doctors’ strike.

This, hence, forced them to seek treatment at the Consolata Hospital Mathari in Nyeri where Lekishe is presently admitted.

David noted that incidents of wild animal attacks in the area have been rampant since the onset of the rains, with periodic attacks on homes around Oldonyiro ward as the animals seek food.

"We want to see compensation because there are so many people that have been attacked by elephants, hyenas, as well as other animals and we heard the President promise prompt compensation of victims of wild animal attacks,” he stated.

Lekishe's family is also calling on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to set up camps in the expansive Isiolo County, especially in areas prone to wildlife attacks, so as to protect communities living therein.