Couple hospitalised after lion attack in Isiolo

A young couple has called upon the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to deal with stray animals after they were attacked by a lion on Tuesday evening on their way to fetch firewood at Elsa Ntirim village in Isiolo County.

The couple managed to fight off the lion with a panga and survived the attack, however sustaining serious injuries in the process; they’re currently receiving treatment at the Isiolo County Referral Hospital.

According to one of the victims, Michael Apayu, the ferocious animal first mauled his wife before proceeding to attack him.

His wife, Susan Chebet, then hit the animal's head with a panga, and the agitated lion pounced on her, sinking its teeth into her legs.

“The lion first chased my wife who was behind me, she later ran ahead of me then the lion proceeded to attack me. It bit my hands, legs, back, and shoulders," said Apayu.

The couple escaped from the animal after Apayu struck its front limb and eyes.  

“I hit the lion’s head with a panga, it then pounced on me. My husband managed to get up and hit the lion’s front limb and eyes. After the lion fell, we managed to flee,” Chebet said.

Hellen Natukun, a sister to one of the victims, decried the incident and urged the KWS to ensure that all wild animals are in the reserves.

“The KWS should ensure that all wild animals are in the reserves and national parks. If they find out that the animals have left the reserves, they should respond to that because people are moving every day,” said Natukun.  

Additionally, Natukun called on the KWS to compensate the victims, arguing that they’re struggling to clear the accrued medical bills. 

The attack comes days after a 21-year-old student at Multimedia University, Kelvin Mwendwa was attacked by a hyena at 8pm on Monday along Maasai Lodge Road.

He is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.

KWS issued a statement on Tuesday revealing that they recovered human remains at the scene of the hyena attack incident.

"Regrettably, another Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) team left on the ground discovered the partial remains of a human being at the scene, which were then retrieved by the Kenya Police. The identity of the deceased has since been confirmed and family members contacted," said KWS.