Maxwell Ochieng’, a young Form Four graduate from Osieko Secondary School, met a tragic end on Tuesday November 26, 2024 in the evening, just three days after completing his KCSE examinations.
The incident unfolded at around 6:00 pm at the shores of Lake Victoria, where Maxwell had gone to bathe with three friends, unaware of the lurking danger.
According to Paul Olang’, the Chief of West Yimbo Location, a hippopotamus suddenly emerged and attacked the group.
While Maxwell’s friends managed to flee to safety, they could only watch in horror as the animal mauled him and tossed his lifeless body into the water.
The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Efforts to retrieve Maxwell’s body are set to begin on Wednesday morning, with local authorities urging caution around the lake.
Chief Olang’ highlighted the increased risks posed by rising water levels due to heavy rains, which have made hippos more active and aggressive.
He stressed the need for children to avoid bathing along the lake shores and warned parents and guardians to remain vigilant.
“This is a tragic and untimely loss of life,” said Chief Olang’. “We must take every precaution to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”
The chief’s appeal comes amid concerns over the growing number of human-wildlife conflicts in the region, particularly involving hippos, which are known to frequent the shallow waters of Lake Victoria.
