Class Six pupil hospitalised after hippo attack in Homa Bay

A Class Six pupil is recuperating at Homa Bay hospital after being attacked by a marauding hippo in Lake Victoria.

Sabastian Otieno had accompanied his father for a fishing expedition when their boat capsized after being hit by a rogue hippo at Rowo beach, Rang’wa East Sub-Location in Suba Sub-county.

After the two fell in the water, the hippo pursued and caught Otieno biting him in the leg.

It is after locals armed with sticks and stones rushed to the scene when the hippo released the boy.

Locals swam and rescued the boy who was bleeding following the bite.

The attack left the minor with serious injuries on the legs and the thigh.

 The boy was rushed to Suba Sub-county hospital in Sindo town where he is recuperating.

However, his father escaped unhurt in the tragic incident.

Assistant Chief of Rang’wa East Sub Location Rose Nyangoko said it was easy to rescue the duo because they close to the lake shore.

“The incident occurred a few metre away from the lake shore and that is why residents managed to rescue them quickly,” Nyangoko said. 

Locals have expressed concerns over increasing cases of attack by hippopotamuses.

“We call on the Kenya Wildlife Service to rescue us from attacks by the wild animals in this lake,” said Michael Otieno, a resident.