Hippo attacks, kills man in Nyahururu

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A man was killed by a hippopotamus in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, in a tragic human-wildlife conflict incident.

Police said the body of the unidentified man, estimated to be about 40 years old, was discovered on Tuesday morning near the Ewaso Nyiro River in Manguo Sub-location.

According to police, the body was discovered at around 10:45 a.m., prompting a joint response by officers and rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Upon visiting the scene, authorities found the body lying on the ground with visible injuries on both the upper and lower limbs.

Preliminary assessments indicate the injuries were consistent with an attack by a hippopotamus.

Investigators also noted that the area appeared heavily disturbed, with clear hippopotamus footprints reinforcing suspicions of a wildlife encounter.

The scene was processed and documented by crime scene personnel before the body was moved to the Nyahururu Referral Hospital mortuary, where it awaits identification and a post-mortem examination.

Human-wildlife conflict cases involving hippos are not uncommon in areas bordering rivers and water bodies, with officials urging residents to exercise caution, especially when accessing such areas.

With the heavy rains being experienced in many areas, rivers inhabited by the animals are swollen, posing greater danger to nearby communities.

Authorities have launched investigations into the incident as efforts to identify the deceased continue.

Police said more details will be established after the identification of the man and the post-mortem examination.

They also advised the family to file a compensation claim.

In May 2025, Kenya introduced the third phase of its Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing such incidents and supporting affected families.

During its launch at Meru National Park, President William Ruto unveiled the Wildlife Conservation Card, a tool designed to help fund conservation efforts.

“Compensation is justice, but prevention is progress,” Ruto said, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions that benefit both people and wildlife.

“Through the Conservation Card, fencing, and community-led tourism, we are turning conflict into opportunity,” he added.