Hippo attack in Kirinyaga leaves 52-year-old man fighting for his life

Simon Githaka Gichuki is battling serious injuries at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital after the animal mauled his right hand in a terrifying encounter near the Gakungu bridge.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Gichuki recounted the harrowing ordeal that unfolded at around 10 p.m. as he walked home from Ngurubani town in the company of a friend.

“I thought it was a pig,” he said. “I was shocked to realize it was a hippopotamus.”

Within moments, the animal turned aggressive. According to Gichuki, the hippo hurled him into the air before charging at him again as he lay on the ground. It attempted to attack him twice more.

In a desperate bid to survive, Gichuki lay flat and remained still. After a tense few moments, the animal retreated toward the nearby Thiba River, leaving him severely injured and bleeding.

Villagers who responded to his cries found him lying in a pool of blood. Among the first to arrive was Paul Mwangi, a tuk-tuk rider, who rushed him to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital.

“The injuries were so severe we feared he had lost his hand,” Mwangi said.

Doctors are now working to stabilize Gichuki, who is expected to undergo surgery as part of his treatment.

The attack has heightened anxiety among residents and traders in Ngurubani and surrounding areas. Anthony Mucheke, chairman of the Ngurubani business community, called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to urgently intervene.

“There could be more hippos in the river. We need KWS to remove them to guarantee the safety of residents and business people,” Mucheke said.

Some locals believe the hippo may have been protecting its young. Sicily Wakabari, a resident of the area, said unusual noises had been heard from the river earlier, raising suspicions that calves could be nearby.

Hippos, though often perceived as docile, are among the most dangerous wild animals in Africa, particularly when they feel threatened or are protecting their territory.

As Gichuki fights for his life, the community of Gakungu remains on edge, hoping authorities will act swiftly to prevent another attack and restore a sense of safety along the banks of the Thiba River.