A man is fighting for his life after being attacked by hyenas in Matungulu, Machakos County.
According to a police report from Donyo Sabuk Police Station, the attack happened on June 22 at around 4 am in Msalani Village, Uamani Sub-location, Kiboko Location.
The report said Paul Mbatha Mutyambui, 39, was found lying on the ground after being mauled by a clan of three hyenas.
Mr Fredrick Kisera, a warden at Oldonyo Sabuk National Park, and Pascal Mwema, the Assistant Chief of Uamani Sub-location, confirmed the incident.
Residents going to coffee farms heard his screams and managed to chase the animals away.
A Kenya Wildlife Service team responded and rushed the victim to the hospital.
“He was eaten on both knees,” the report stated.
Mutyambui was first taken to Donyo Sabuk Nursing Home but was later referred to Thika Level 5 Hospital, where he remains admitted in serious condition.
Kenya Wildlife Service officers at Donyo Sabuk are handling the case.
Safety precautions
In 2024, Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) gave out safety precautions in case of any confrontation with a hyena.
They noted that hyenas are useful scavengers that clean the ecosystem by getting rid of discarded bones and debris thus preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.
KWS said they are lazy and prefer scavenging easy meals like dead meat rather than chasing prey.
They advised the public to stop and not run away from the animal. KWS said as a predator, it will instinctively chase animals which run away.
They advised one to avoid lying down or pretending to be dead, as this will increase the animal's curiosity.
KWS advised one to try and show that they are fearless.
"Keep yourself calm by talking to it," they said.
Since hyenas are nocturnal, they advised the minimization of movements at night.
"Don't move away until the hyena does and when you do, continue to face its direction," KWS said.
The Wildlife Service said that if the animal growls or giggles, you should stand your ground and never run away, but at the same time don't move any closer.
