Man dies after suspected hippopotamus attack in Thika

A 51-year-old man died after he was allegedly attacked by a hippopotamus near the Chania River in Thika West, Kiambu County.

The deceased was identified as Amos Karuku Muraya alias Ammo.

The incident was reported to police at about 10am on Sunday, October 4, 2026, by a local who said a lifeless body had been found in a farm planted with Napier grass in the Majengo area.

Police officers who responded to the scene found Muraya’s body lying on the ground with multiple serious injuries to the head, chest and both hands.

The injuries were believed to have been inflicted by a hippopotamus from the nearby Chania River.

Crime Scene Investigation officers from Thika processed and documented the scene before the body was removed and taken to General Kago Mortuary, where it is being preserved pending a postmortem examination.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The latest tragedy highlights the persistent human-wildlife conflict in parts of the country bordering wildlife habitats, where stray animals occasionally stray into villages, posing a danger to residents and destroying property.

The family was advised to file for compensation. Authorities have been running campaigns to address the conflict and anger surrounding the same.

In May 2025, Kenya introduced the third phase of its Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing these incidents and supporting affected families.

During its launch at Meru National Park, President William Ruto unveiled the innovative Wildlife Conservation Card, a new tool designed to help fund conservation efforts.

“Compensation is justice, but prevention is progress,” Ruto said, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions that benefit both people and wildlife.

“Through the Conservation Card, fencing, and community‑led tourism, we are turning conflict into opportunity,” he added.

Developed in partnership with KCB Bank, the Wildlife Conservation Card is available in three tiers—Platinum (Elephant), Gold (Lion), and Silver (Cheetah).

A portion of every transaction made with the card (Sh10, Sh5, and Sh3, respectively) goes directly to the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund.

The initiative aims to enable Kenyans and international supporters to contribute to wildlife conservation while fostering economic benefits for local communities.

With this new approach, Kenya hopes to build a future where humans and wildlife can coexist more safely and sustainably.