An 85-year-old man has died after he was attacked by a swarm of bees in Magare Village, Homa Bay Town, leaving three of his family members injured.
The deceased was identified as Mzee James Olwal Obongo. According to local authorities, the incident happened on Saturday evening as he was walking home from a church event within the village.
The area Assistant Chief, Washington Kidew, said that Mzee Obongo accidentally disturbed a swarm of bees that emerged from a nearby bush. The bees attacked him suddenly and aggressively. Due to his age and the severity of the attack, he died at the scene before help could arrive.
When family members heard his cries for help, they rushed to rescue him. However, the bees turned on them as well. His wife, Siprosa Anyango, his son Kennedy Omondi, and his grandson were all stung and suffered serious injuries.
Members of the public later intervened and helped rescue the injured family members. They were taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where they received treatment and were later discharged.
The body of Mzee Obongo has been taken to Homa Bay mortuary as burial arrangements are being made.
Local leaders have urged residents to be cautious, especially in areas with bushes and forests, and to seek help immediately when dealing with bee attacks, which can be fatal, especially for the elderly and vulnerable people.
