Woman survives brutal hyena attack in Elgeyo Marakwet
Residents living near Rimoi National Game Reserve in Elgeyo Marakwet County are raising alarm over increasing hyena attacks, which they say have been fueled by the ongoing dry spell.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the evening, a resident, Helen Chepsergon, was mauled by a hyena while tending to her goats, sustaining serious injuries before being rescued by neighbours.
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She sustained deep bites on her face, hands and thighs during the 4.30 pm incident, and her cries attracted residents who rescued her from the jaws of death and rushed her to Iten County Referral Hospital, where she is recuperating.
Addressing the press from her hospital bed, a visibly shaken Chesergon thanked residents for their timely intervention, which saved her life.
“It happened so fast. I just found myself being dragged into the bushes by the hungry animal, which was baying for my blood. Luckily, neighbours heard my cries and came to my rescue. I’m lucky to be alive,” said Chesergon.
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Ian Kipkorir, who was among the first to respond to Chepsergon’s cries, described a chilling scene after he found her in a pool of blood as the canine continued to dig its teeth into her body.
He also sustained deep bites on his hands as he tried to fight off the animal and was treated and discharged at Iten County Referral Hospital.
Sustained injuries and deep bites
“I managed to kill the hyena using a panga, but she (Chepsergon) had sustained injuries and deep bites, forcing us to rush her to the hospital, where she is recuperating,” said Kipkorir.
According to locals, cases of wild animals, including monkeys and elephants, straying into homesteads due to the persistent dry spell in the area are on the rise, which has sparked fear in the region.
Iten County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Lawrence Kogos said the patient arrived at the hospital in a stable condition but had several cuts, especially on the cheeks, and fractures on the left arm and several puncture wounds caused by the hyena bites.
“Our team was able to take immediate action on the patient. She was stabilised and rushed into the theatre for medical attention. She also lost one of her fingers, which was bitten off by the hyena, and we managed to stabilise her. She is stable and responding well to treatment, awaiting further review,” explained Kogos.
According to the official, the patient’s dental formula was also severely damaged during the attack and was being attended by medics.
“As we speak, she can speak, though still traumatised. We also intend to give her psychological support through our counselling and psychiatric team because that was a very traumatic event. We expect the patient to fully recover,” said Kogos.
