Nairobi: Residents of Angalo village in Homa Bay Town constituency are living in fear after a group of hippos invaded their farms at night, causing significant damage to their crops.
According to Kenya News Agency, the residents are concerned as the hippos, whose numbers are unknown, emerge from Lake Victoria and head straight to their farms to feed on crops. Attempts by villagers to drive the animals away have been unsuccessful, with the hippos becoming hostile when confronted.
Simon Ogoma, a villager, reported that the hippos are causing significant economic hardship, as farming is the primary source of livelihood in the area. Farmers like Kennedy Ongware, Samuel Nyambok, and Dorcas Atieno have expressed their distress over losing their entire season's crops, including maize, sorghum, kales, tomatoes, cabbages, and onions, to the hippos.
Ogoma has appealed to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for intervention, urging them to relocate the animals and compensate for the losses. He emphasized the urgency of government action, noting that many residents rely on farming for their income. The villagers have threatened to protest at national government offices in Homa Bay town if the situation is not addressed promptly.
Ongware described the hippos as aggressive and difficult to manage due to their tendency to move in groups. Despite reports to the KWS, no action has been taken, leaving the community frustrated and vulnerable. Nyambok and Atieno explained that the hippos frequently damage farm fences to access the crops, disrupting their ability to provide food and education for their children.
Homa Bay KWS officer Jackson Kibor acknowledged the reports and stated that efforts are underway to manage the hippos. However, he advised residents to avoid farming on riparian lands, which are susceptible to wildlife invasions. Kibor assured the community that KWS is collaborating with them to mitigate further damage and ensure safety.