A 35‑year‑old woman, Mary Thandi, and her 15‑year‑old daughter, Esther, were attacked by a hippopotamus on Saturday evening at about 7:30 p.m. as they walked home from casual work in Kiumbu Village, near River Thiba in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

Both victims suffered severe abdominal injuries; health workers said the teenager’s injuries were more serious, prompting her to be taken to Kerugoya Referral Hospital before her mother.

After the attack, two companions escaped unharmed while villagers confronted the animal and threw stones at it to free the mother and daughter.

The pair received initial first‑aid at Kimbimbi Dispensary before being transferred to Kerugoya Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

The attack has revived community concerns over rising human‑wildlife conflict along River Thiba, with residents recalling several recent hippo incidents in the area.

Local residents have criticised the Kenya Wildlife Service for what they see as inadequate action on hippo threats, while KWS officers from Embu visited the scene on Saturday night and said they would work to trace the animal.

Community members are now urging authorities to intervene urgently to prevent further attacks and protect households living near the river.