Multimedia University students on Tuesday, February 6, held protests along Magadi road after one of them was mauled by a hyena in Rongai.
Kelvin Mwenda, a 21-year-old student at the institution, was attacked by a hyena at 8 pm on Monday, February 5, along Maasai Lodge Road.
Stephen Romo, a resident of Olmeut village in Ongata Rongai, who was nearby rushed to rescue Mwenda but ended up being a victim of the animal.
Romo also sustained serious injuries from the attack before they were eventually rescued and rushed to a health facility for treatment.
Multimedia Students stage Protests
Following the attacks, the aggravated students took their frustrations to the streets, protesting in demand for a response from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
They lit bonfires and threw rocks on Magadi Road rendering it impassible.
Also Read: Juja Men Hold Protests Over Affected Sex Life
A huge smoke rose to the air from the scene of demonstrations as students engaged police in running battles.
Cases of hyena attacks on humans have been on the rise lately, with several cases of attacks reported in areas including Juja in Kiambu County.
In a response that sparked reactions among Kenyans, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) asked members of the public to follow specific instructions in case they encounter a hyena, including talking to it.
In some instances, residents were forced to kill the animals out of frustrations and fears that they would attack their loved ones.
Also Read: Govt Issues 7 Tips on How to Avoid Hyena Attack
At the same time, KWS has heightened efforts to trap and evacuate hyenas from residential areas in a bid to stop the human-wildlife conflict.
KWS on How to Handle Hyena Attack
Earlier on January 9, the Kenya Wildlife Service listed seven tips that Kenyans can use to avoid hyena attacks as it attempts to reduce deaths by the killer animal.
Some of the tips included stop, don’t run, don’t lie down or pretend to be dead, try not to show your fear, minimize movements at night as hyenas are nocturnal animals.
Also, Kenyans were advised not to move away until the hyena does, stand one’s ground even if the animal growls or giggles. However, KWS advised against moving any closer to the animal.
