Elderly Man Returning from Church Killed by Bees, 3 Other Relatives Injured

A family in Magare Village, Homa Bay County, is mourning the tragic death of an 85-year-old man who was fatally attacked by a swarm of bees while walking home from church on Saturday evening, December 20.

The deceased, identified as Mzee James Olwal Obongo, was returning from a church event when the incident occurred, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising concerns about rising cases of deadly bee attacks in the region.

According to the area Assistant Chief, Washington Kidew, the elderly man was walking alone when bees suddenly emerged from nearby bushes and attacked him without warning. The swarm overwhelmed him, and he died at the scene before help could arrive.

In a desperate attempt to rescue him, three of his relatives — his wife Siprosa Anyango, his son Kennedy Omondi, and his grandson — rushed to the scene after hearing distress calls. Unfortunately, they too were attacked by the aggressive bees and sustained serious injuries.

Members of the public intervened and managed to rescue the three, rushing them to the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment. Hospital officials later confirmed that the victims were treated for multiple bee stings and later discharged after their condition stabilised.

The body of Mzee Obongo was transported to the Homa Bay Mortuary, where it is being preserved as the family prepares for burial arrangements and awaits further procedures.

Residents described the incident as shocking and painful, noting that the deceased was well known in the village and had just attended a church event before meeting his death.

Local leaders and residents have raised concerns about the increasing number of fatal bee attacks in parts of the country, especially in regions around Lake Victoria. Some residents said the sudden and aggressive nature of the attack has left many fearful and confused.

A section of Kenyans has taken to social media to express sympathy with the family, with many sending condolence messages and wishing the injured relatives a quick recovery. 

Others have called on authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and put in place measures to prevent similar incidents.

Some residents and experts have suggested that environmental factors such as warm temperatures, dense vegetation, and weather changes may be contributing to the increased aggressiveness of bees in the region.

“There is a need for public awareness on how to respond during such emergencies. Many people panic and rush in, which exposes them to danger,” said one resident.

Others have urged the government, particularly wildlife and environmental agencies, to step in and educate communities on safety measures and emergency response when faced with bee attacks. Calls have also been made for compensation to affected families, especially in cases where lives are lost.

The tragic incident comes amid reports of similar occurrences elsewhere in the country. In a separate case, a retired agriculture officer, Charles Ochomo Ombet, was also killed by a swarm of bees while working on his farm.

According to reports, Ombet had gone to plough his land with a tractor operator when the bees suddenly attacked. 

While the tractor operator managed to escape, Ombet was overwhelmed by the insects and collapsed. Despite efforts by residents to save him, he was later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

These incidents have sparked fresh debate about the growing threat posed by bee attacks, particularly in rural areas where emergency response resources are limited.