The residents of Ikulungu village within Kariti Ward of Ndia Constituency in Kirinyaga County have requested the Kenya Wildlife Service to deliver emergency help because of ongoing attacks from a hippopotamus which has been threatening their community since June of last year.

The villagers assert that the animal has been attacking their farms which include arrowroots and pawpaw trees after it went missing from Sagana River.

Naomi Maina and Pauline Wangui reported that the hippopotamus had caused extensive damage to agricultural fields and residential areas which brought major problems for the community that relies on farming.

Mercy Wanja who lives near the Sagana River shared her experience after the animal entered her yard and spent the whole night there. She explained that the animal ruined her fence along with other belongings which made her stay inside for protection during dangerous moments.

The local roads have become hazardous due to the threat. Susan Wanjiru shared her experience of how she and her companion almost got injured after they found a hippopotamus resting by the road at 9pm. They received assistance from a boda boda rider who transported them to a safe location.

Joseph Kiama a retired teacher and David Kariuki along with other community members expressed their worries about the security risks present for schoolchildren. They established that the animal's constant presence near the Sagana River creates dangerous conditions which make it difficult for students to walk to and from school. Kariuki alleged that his sister escaped from a hippo attack which he characterized as a miraculous event.

Villagers now suspect that more than one hippopotamus may be roaming the area and have urged KWS and local leaders to act swiftly to prevent a potential tragedy.

The opponents of electricity provision for local areas through their argument about animal movement at night claimed that darkness leads animals to travel without being seen. Kiama maintained that the hippopotamus stays away from Mukurweini territory because it has electricity service while Ndia area remains unlit. The residents are now calling on leaders to ensure electricity is installed and the wild animal is removed from the area.