The body of 19-year-old Maxwell Ochieng, a Form Four student killed by a hippopotamus at the shores of Lake Victoria in Urima village, Got Agulu sub-location, Usigu Sub-County, has been recovered.
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of November 21, when Ochieng was bathing in the lake and was attacked by a lone hippo. His body was retrieved at around 11:30 p.m. following a coordinated search effort led by beach officials and community volunteers.
Usigu Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) John Mwaura confirmed the recovery, noting that officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), local administration, and police were involved in the operation. The body has been taken to Got Agulu Sub-County Hospital mortuary for preservation.
“We have planned a public baraza to sensitize residents and intensify civic education along the lake’s beaches to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, especially during the rainy season when such attacks are more frequent,” Mwaura stated.
Usenge location chief, Mr. Paul Olang’, also urged residents to avoid bathing in the lake during periods of heavy rainfall, emphasizing the heightened risks as water levels rise and wildlife activity increases.
This incident underscores the pressing need for community awareness and safety measures to mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife in areas surrounding Lake Victoria.
