14-year-old boy killed in hippo attack in Kilifi

A 14-year-old boy has died after being attacked by a hippo while fishing at Mikimba Lake in Karimboni, Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County.

Confirming the incident, Magarini Assistant County Commissioner Joshua Leintoi said the attack occurred at around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday as the boy was carrying out fishing activities at the lake.

Leintoi urged residents living near rivers and lakes to exercise greater caution while going about their daily activities to avoid attacks by wild animals.

Meanwhile, Magarini political activist Hamadi Chadi Karisa called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to engage communities living near rivers and lakes in finding a lasting solution to the recurring cases of human-wildlife conflict.

The boy’s body has been moved to the Malindi County Referral Hospital mortuary as the family prepares for his burial.