A fisherman was on Wednesday night attacked and injured by a hippo at Kisaka beach in Lake Victoria.
Andrew Odie, 41, was out fishing with a fellow fisherman, when the animal charged at them. His colleague escaped unharmed.
Lambwe East chief Bernard Onditi said on Thursday the hippo had two calves and was trying to protect its young ones.
“It’s unfortunate the fisherman was attacked and injured. We wish him quick recovery,” he said.
Reports indicate the hippo grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him into the water.
“His colleague escaped by jumping out of the boat and swimming to safety,” Onditi said.
The two raised the alarm and other fishermen came to their aid.
The victim was put on another boat and taken to Koginga beach, where a rider picked him up and rushed him to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Onditi urged residents to avoid fishing in hippo and crocodile-infested areas or their breeding zones.
“Such areas are always not safe. Let fishermen not operate at night as well, because they might not sense danger,” he said.
Homa Bay KWS warden Zippora Mideva said they are waiting for an official report on the attack.
“It’s an unfortunate incident. We are awaiting communication from the chief before we react. Let resident remain vigilant and report cases of wildlife-human conflicts for redress,” she said.
