Two individuals, including a nine-year-old boy, lost their lives after a hippopotamus attacked and capsized their canoe on Shakababu Lake in Tana River County.
The victims, identified as 20-year-old Samson Ushindi and Michael Ngala, aged nine, were fishing when the incident occurred on Friday in the Gumba area.
According to police reports, the traditional canoe was struck by the hippo, causing it to overturn and throwing the pair into the water. Rescue teams from Tarasaa Police Station and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) based in Garsen responded promptly, retrieving the bodies with assistance from local residents.
The victims showed no visible external injuries and were taken to Malindi Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.
Authorities Warn Residents
Officials have urged locals to exercise caution when fishing or traveling on water bodies known to be inhabited by hippopotamuses. Despite their seemingly calm demeanor, hippos are among Africa's most dangerous wild animals.
The incident has been classified as a human-wildlife conflict, with investigations underway to explore possible compensation for the victims' families.
