Tension is high along the shores of Lake Victoria after a rogue hippo strayed into a village homestead and killed a lactating cow. The rare but alarming incident occurred in Migori County’s Kingariso village, where locals are now demanding swift intervention from wildlife authorities.
Highlights
- A hippo entered a homestead in Migori and killed a nursing cow.
- The animal also injured two other cows before retreating.
- Residents blame rising lake levels for increasing hippo invasions.
- Locals are calling on KWS to address the growing threat to lives and livestock.
Main Story
The incident happened in the dead of night when a hippo forced its way into the compound of Prisca Akello in Kingariso village, located near the shores of Lake Victoria. The wild animal attacked and killed her only lactating cow and left two others seriously injured. The cow was nursing a one-month-old calf.
According to local authorities, the hippo breached a euphorbia fence before attacking the livestock.
Assistant Chief Maureen Saggia confirmed the attack, noting that it’s part of a growing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the area. Residents say hippos are increasingly venturing into villages due to the rising water levels of Lake Victoria, which have submerged parts of their natural grazing zones.
This is not an isolated case. In recent weeks, villagers in nearby Nyatike have also reported similar incidents of hippos destroying crops and attacking livestock. Some fear it is only a matter of time before a human becomes the next victim.
Locals are now urging the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to intervene by installing electric fences, relocating aggressive animals, or compensating victims. Many say they can no longer farm or keep animals safely near the lake.
A hippo’s presence in a homestead is more than just a wildlife incident—it’s a sign of an environmental crisis creeping into everyday life. Will action come before the next attack claims more than livestock?
