Student attacked by Hyena sparks Multimedia Varsity protests

The second-year student who was attacked lost one of his thumbs

In Summary
  • The higher learning institution is located opposite the Nairobi National Park. 

  • The students urged Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to take action for the safety of the students.

Multimedia University students hold protests on February 6, 2024.
Multimedia University students hold protests on February 6, 2024.
Image: SCREENGRAB

Students at Multimedia University on Tuesday went to the streets in protest after one of their own was attacked by a hyena. 

The 21-year-old Kelvin Mwenda, a second-year student, was attacked on Monday night at around 8 pm.

The higher learning institution is located opposite the Nairobi National Park. 

Kenya University Student Organisation President Jesse Saruni said the student lost one of his thumbs during the attack. 

"He was coming from school heading to his place in Rongai at around 8 pm when the incident happened. The hyena also bit one side of his face," Saruni said.  

"His eye is covered. We are not sure if his other eye is okay because he is covered on one side of the face," Saruni said. 

The student president urged Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to take action for the safety of the students.

"You can not be sleeping in your job while our comrades are being mauled by hyenas left right and center," the KUSO President said. 

"Kama kazi imewashinda we will form a task force to talk to the hyenas as you advised. We will talk to them in a language they will understand."

A police report from Olekasasi showed the student was attacked along Maasai Lodge road. 

"Stephen Romo, who is a resident of this village, rushed to rescue him and sustained very severe injuries. The two are currently at Wama Nursing Home Hospital receiving treatment," the police said. 

In January, KWS issued safety tips on how to handle a hyena. 

KWS advised the public to stop and not run away from the animal. KWS said as a predator, it will instinctively chase animals that 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.

Hyenas being 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.

"Make a loud noise, be aggressive and frightening as if you are going to attack," they advised.


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