(Isiolo) – Residents of Bulesa village in Isiolo County have killed a crocodile responsible for attacking and swallowing Hassan Jaldesa, a 13 year old boy, near the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Hassan, who recently sat for the Grade Six Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), was grazing his family’s livestock when the tragedy occurred.
On Jamhuri Day, Hassan sought relief from the heat and decided to swim in the river. A crocodile attacked him, grabbed his leg, and dragged him underwater before swallowing him. The attack enraged the local community, prompting over 100 armed villagers, mostly young men, to hunt down the crocodile.
In their search, the villagers killed the first crocodile they found, but it was not the culprit. They then targeted another crocodile suspected of being responsible. Upon killing and cutting open the animal, they discovered Hassan’s body inside.
The boy’s body was buried on Friday according to Islamic traditions.
Bulesa Location Chief Hassan Guyo confirmed the incident and revealed that three people were injured during the hunt.
One of the injured, Ali Roba, suffered broken ribs after being struck by the crocodile’s tail and is receiving treatment at Isiolo County Hospital. Two others sustained bite wounds on their hands and are being treated at a local health center.
Details of the Crocodile Attack
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bulesa village, Merti, Isiolo County |
| Victim | Hassan Jaldesa, 13 |
| Date of Incident | December 12 (Jamhuri Day) |
| Cause of Death | Crocodile attack |
| Community Action | Over 100 villagers hunted crocodiles |
| Injuries Reported | Three villagers injured |
| Medical Assistance | Victims treated at Isiolo hospitals |
| Body Recovery | Found in crocodile’s stomach |
