A young couple has survived a lion attack in Isiolo and left with severe multiple injuries after they encountered a marauding lion in the forest.

The couple was walking in Isiolo forest when the lion attacked them from behind. The wild animal first attacked the wife of Michael Apaiyu who was behind. In a scramble to save her life she outran her husband who was tackled to the ground by the known king of the jungle.

“It attacked my wife first, who later outran me.The lion then attacked me and pushed me to the ground while scratching my sides,” said Michael.

“I later asked my wife to pass me the panga that was lying on the ground which I used to attack the animal,” he added. Consequently, the man urged the government to address the human-wildlife conflict in the area to help reduce such cases.

The couple is currently receiving treatment at the Isiolo County referral hospital.

Of late, wildlife-human conflict has become rampant. Earlier this week,  a Multimedia student was attacked by a hyena, leading to protests by the students.

Such incident add to the growing number of attacks by wild animals particularly in areas of Juja in Kiambu county.

Last month leaders from Kiambu county called the senate to summon officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service regarding the deaths in Witethie in Juja and along Thika Road. Since the year started KWS has been on the spotlight for failing to handle the wild animals. There are claims that the KWS has not adequately addressed complaints from the residents.

Kiambu senator urged the standing committee on land, environment, and natural resources to investigate the increasing cases of attacks by wild animals.

“Recommend long-lasting measures to address the ongoing attacks which pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of residents of Kiambu county and Kenyans at large.” Senator Karungo told the committee.