Siaya fisherman killed after hippo encounter

A hippo in Lake Victoria. [File, Standard]

A fisherman drowned in Lake Victoria after he encountered a herd of hippos near DC Beach in Bondo.

Samuel Otieno Owino is said to have left for his regular fishing expedition in his canoe at around 6.30am on Saturday when he came across the animals.

The fishermen who witnessed the encounter said Owino attempted to paddle away but panicked, fell into the lake and drowned.

Beach Management Unit chairman Samuel Okoth Ogalo said Owino was alone in the boat during the incident.

Mr Ogalo added that the fisherman suffered from hypertension, and they suspect that he might have suffered an anxiety attack.

Ogalo said the fishermen who were closest to Owino went to his rescue but by the time they got to the scene of the accident, it was too late to save their colleague.

The BMU chairman told The Standard that they sought the services of local divers who retrieved Owino's body after searching for nearly one hour.

Separately, James Okumu Kizito is being held at Bondo Police Station after he was arrested for allegedly stealing maize at a farm in Wagusu village.

Migwena West assistant chief William Oreme said Kizito was found with three sacks of green maize.