A police officer is nursing serious injuries after he was attacked by a lion near the Lolomarik Operations Camp in Buuri West, Meru County on June 3, 2024.
In the incident that occurred at approximately 12:15 am, The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 AM, Police Constable Saiid Kassim Maalim, identified by his service number 100519, was attacked by the lion while making a phone call about 20 meters from the camp.
As reported by Inspector David Kariuki, Maalim was alerted to the imminent danger by his colleagues, who noticed the lion charging towards him.
“The swift actions and loud noises from the other officers successfully distracted the lion, allowing Maalim to escape. Despite the quick response, the officer sustained injuries beneath his left shoulder, on his right thigh, and on his left knee,” the report, as seen by TV47 Digital, reads in part.
The injured officer was rushed to Nanyuki Huruma Mission Hospital, before being referred to Life Care Hospital in Meru for specialised medical attention.
There has been similar incidences in the region. On June 8 this year, a middle-aged woman was attacked and killed by a wild animal suspected to be a lion near Borana Conservancy along Ethi-Borana Road in Laikipia East. The incident was reported by one Francis Wanjohi, a driver at Ngarendare Conservancy.
When officers from Ethi Police Post arrived at the scene, they found the remains of the unidentified woman severely mutilated, with only the skull, left hand, intestines, and some bones remaining.
The remains of the victim were transported to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for further identification and post-mortem examination.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers from Umande are actively working to track and identify the animal responsible for the attacks.
