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Elderly man fights for life after hyena attack in Isiolo County

The victim has been admitted at Consolata Hospital Mathari.

By Amina Wako | 04 May 2024

Incidents of wild animal attacks have been rampant in the area since the onset of the rains, with periodic attacks on homes around Oldonyiro as the animals seek food.

Akal Lekishe, a 77-year-old man, is fighting for his life at Consolata Hospital Mathari in Nyeri after a hyena attacked him in his village in Losira, Isiolo County.

Akal heard a commotion inside his house, where he kept his sheep, on Wednesday night, according to his son David Lekishe. The hyena turned on him as he attempted to shoo it away, severely injuring Akal in his attempt to save his livestock.

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The hyena attack left Akal with serious injuries to the head and ribs. David Lekishe described the harrowing experience, saying, "The hyena stepped on the goat, and my dad woke up to try and save his goats. The hyena, trying to find its way out, turned on my father when the door shut itself from the inside."

The ongoing doctor's strike further complicated the family's ordeal, forcing them to travel 65km from Isiolo to Nanyuki in search of treatment. However, they were unable to receive treatment at the cottage hospital in Nanyuki and had to seek help at Consolata Hospital Mathari in Nyeri.

David Lekishe expressed his frustration, saying, "We only have dispensaries in our area that cannot handle such animal attacks. We have to go to Nanyuki, which is quite far."

The family is calling on the Kenya Wildlife Service to establish camps in Isiolo County, particularly in areas prone to wildlife attacks, to protect communities living near wild animal-prone zones.

"We demand compensation due to the numerous attacks by elephants, hyenas, and other animals. We heard the president promise prompt compensation for victims of wild animal attacks," David said.

Incidents of wild animal attacks have been rampant in the area since the onset of the rains, with periodic attacks on homes around Oldonyiro ward as the animals seek food. The family's plea for compensation and protection comes as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the issue.

In February, a couple was admitted to the Isiolo County Referral Hospital after they were attacked by a lion.

The couple say they were out looking for firewood when the lion pounced.

Michael Apayu, one of the victims, said that the animal left bruises on his arms, legs, back and ribs.

KWS compensation

If you've suffered injuries or property damage due to wildlife-related incidents in Kenya, you may be eligible for compensation from KWS.

Kenya's Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013) provides for the conservation, management, and sustainable use of wildlife resources. It also outlines procedures for compensation for damage caused by wildlife.

KWS Compensation Policy, based on the Act, provides guidelines for compensating individuals who have suffered injuries or property damage due to wildlife-related incidents.

In July last year, KWS launched a payment of Sh908 million as compensation to family members killed, injured and their property destroyed by wildlife across the country.

Compensation claims currently stand at approximately Sh2.8 billion but are projected to increase to Sh5.1 billion.