Fisherman survives hippo attack in Lake Victoria

Officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) board a fishing boat at Sikri Village in Lambwe Ward in Homa Bay County during a sensitization on on human wildlife conflict on March 10, 2021. [File, Standard]

A 48-year-old fisherman sustained serious injuries after he was attacked by a hippopotamus in Lake Victoria.

Maurice Odhiambo was attacked by a hippo while taking a bath at Rasira Beach in Gwasi South Location, Homa Bay County.

Rasira Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chairman Sospeter Ayako, said Odhiambo did not notice the hippo advancing towards him before it pushed him into the lake and inflicted serious injuries on his body.

His distress call attracted other fishermen who went to his rescue.

They hit the hippo with crude weapons forcing it to stop attacking Odhiambo.

He suffered injuries on his stomach, thigh and fingers.

Odhiambo was admitted to St Camillus Hospital, Nyatike Sub-county in Migori county.

Ayako expressed concern over increasing attacks by hippos in the area.

He called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to intervene and save residents from the wildlife attacks.

"The cases of hippo attacks have increased in this area. We are calling on the KWS to intervene by taming the hippos to stop attacking us," said Ayako.

He said the hippos are giving them a difficult time.

"My colleague has escaped death narrowly. The hippos also interfere with us on many occasions in line of our duties," Ayako said.