Kenya: Elder Who Fought Hyena Dies



The Nation (Nairobi)

23 June 2008
Posted to the web 23 June 2008

Wanjiru Macharia
Nairobi

The elderly man who fought off a hyena which was attacking his son has died.

Mr Toroitich Kurere, 70, died at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital on Saturday as his son who was admitted to the same ward watched helplessly.


The two were in hospital after they were attacked by a hyena at their farm next to Lake Bogoria National Park in Baringo District last Monday.

The old man had gone to the rescue of his son when the wild animal turned on him. Mzee Kurere was first admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition while his son, Mr Emmanuel Toroitich, was admitted to the general ward.

The old man's condition improved and he later joined his son in the general ward.

Doctors said Mzee Kurere's condition deteriorated on Saturday morning and he succumbed to the injuries.

On Sunday, a distraught Toroitich, the lastborn of four sons, described his father as a hero, saying he had given his own life to save him.