Ndia residents seek KWS intervention as hippo terrorizes residents

The residents say the animal, believed to be straying from the nearby Sagana River, has been destroying crops including arrowroots and pawpaw trees and frequently venturing into homesteads, leaving families living in fear.

Naomi Maina and Pauline Wangui said the hippopotamus has caused extensive damage to farms and property, disrupting livelihoods in the largely agrarian community.

Mercy Wanja, who lives near the Sagana River, recounted a recent incident in which the animal reportedly spent the night in her compound.

“The wild animal has destroyed everything, including my fence. Sometimes I am forced to stay indoors because of fear,” she said.

The threat has also extended to local roads. Susan Wanjiru said she and a friend narrowly escaped harm after they encountered the hippopotamus sleeping by the roadside at about 9pm. They were assisted by a boda boda operator who helped them get to safety.

Other residents, including former teacher Joseph Kiama and David Kariuki, expressed concern over the safety of school-going children. They said the animal’s frequent appearances near the Sagana River have made it difficult for children to attend school.

Kariuki claimed that his sister recently survived an attack by the hippopotamus. “She escaped death by a miracle,” he said.

Residents now suspect that more than one hippopotamus could be roaming the area and have appealed to both KWS and local leaders to act swiftly to avert a potential tragedy.

They also cited lack of electricity as a contributing factor, arguing that darkness at night makes it easier for the animal to roam undetected.

“This hippo is only coming to the Kirinyaga side because Mukurweini has electricity, but here in Ndia we have no light. Let our leaders intervene and ensure we have electricity and that the wild animal is driven away,” Kiama said.