25-year-old researcher killed by hippo in Lake Victoria

The researcher was attacked by a hippo at Utajo beach, Rusinga East. [Courtesy]

A 25-year-old woman has been killed by a hippopotamus at the shores of Lake Victoria.

Michelle Indihazi, a researcher, was attacked by the hippo at Utajo beach in Rusinga East, Mbita Sub-county.

Michele who is a resident of Trans Nzoia County, alongside her colleagues, had been researching the prevalence of HIV/AIDS along beaches in Mfangano Island. 

And on Wednesday evening, the researchers left Mfangano Island for an excursion in Rusinga Island when the tragedy happened.

KWS officers on a human-wildlife conflict sensitization exercise at Sikri Village, Lambwe, Homa Bay County. [James Omoro, Standard]

Rusinga East Chief Daniel Owuor said that the hippo emerged from a bush and attacked the woman.

“Her colleagues managed to escape,” he said.

The deceased and her colleagues had arrived at the island four days ago.

Mbita Sub-County Police Commander Stanley Atavachi said: “We are yet to get more details about the lady.” 

The body was moved to MED 25 Kirindo mortuary.