Farmers and fishermen have been advised to stay away from the shores of Lake Victoria to avoid being attacked by hippos. South Nyanza region KWS officer Mary Mayande yesterday said residents have invaded the area used by hippos and crocodiles to lay eggs. She said, “We have farmers and developers who have taken up beaches to plant crops and built structures upto the shores, which is against the law.” Mayande continued, “Most fishermen know that around hippo herds in the water there are a lot of fish. This makes them disturb the animals, creating conflict.” She spoke to the Star on the phone in response to complaints by Nyatike subcounty residents about constant attacks by hippos and crocodiles. “There are tomato, watermelon and maize plantations on riparian land which should be set aside for grazing,” Mayande said. On Sunday, residents of Nyakondo, Tagache, Bam Got, Kiburo and Kikongo beaches in Nyatike called on the KWS to help control rogue hippos.
