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Girl injured in crocodile attack while fetching water in Garissa

Fatuma Abdullahi Owl's bandaged leg is pictured on March 23, 2024, following a crocodile attack at the River Tana in Garissa County. (Photo: Handout)

By Issa Hussein | 24 Mar 2024

Chief Issack Abdullahi said crocodile attacks are on the rise and asked the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to ensure victims are compensated.

A crocodile seriously wounded a 12-year-old girl as she fetched water from the River Tana in Garissa township, bringing to light cases of human-wildlife conflict.

Fatuma Abdullahi Owl, a Grade 5 pupil of Korakora Primary School in Garissa, was attacked on Saturday afternoon as she and her sister fetched water for iftar preparations as Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan.

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"There was no water at the Korakora centre. The taps were dry, yet we needed water for the iftar to break our fast, so my wife sent my two daughters to fetch water from the river. The younger one was attacked as she drew the water," said her father Abdullahi Owl.

Abdullahi said the crocodile grabbed Fatuma's leg, but her sister, 15, rescued her sister by pulling her out of the river.

"She got hold of her hand tightly and hit the head of the crocodile several times using an empty jerrican, forcing it to free her leg," he said, adding her action demonstrated bravery.

Abdullahi said other residents who had also gone to fetch water found his daughter bleeding profusely and took her to the Korakora centre, where they called an ambulance from the Garissa County Referral Hospital.

He told The Eastleigh Voice that Fatuma was stabilised, her wounds wrapped and medicines given.

Chief Issack Abdullahi reported that two girls suffered a similar attack a few days before.

"This is the third case of a crocodile attack reported by residents. One succumbed to the injuries, while two [including Fatuma] are still under medical care," he said.

He appealed to the county government to fully operationalise the local borehole that he said was faulty, so residents do not have to go to the river.

"The river is dangerous. Crocodile attacks have increased at the Korakora division, so we request the repair of the borehole," he said.

Issack also appealed for the intervention of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which he said should compensate victims' families.

Two days ago, members of the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns about high pending bills resulting from human-wildlife conflicts. They said the figure stood at Sh2.3 billion and was expected to increase to Sh5.7 billion as more cases were verified.