Shock as fighter bull kills caretaker in western Kenya

A bull owned by a Kenyan senator has killed its caretaker in the western county of Kakamega, sparking shock and grief in the area.

The prized bull, named Inasio, turned aggressive and gored to death Kizito Moi, who had been training bulls for more than 20 years, Kakamega county Senator Boni Khalwale, who owns it, said.

His body, which had deep injuries on the head, neck, stomach and back was discovered on Sunday morning.

The senator said he had speared the bull to death in line with the local Luhya community traditions. The meat is then divided among villagers.

Mr Khalwale said it was rare for animals to turn on their keepers, and that the last such incident happened in the area about 30 years ago.

The five-year-old bull, which weighed 120kg, had recently been crowned the reigning champion in the local competitions.

The senator has been organising the bull fighting competitions, popular in western Kenya, where thousands of locals often grace the events.

The owners of the winning bulls like Mr Khalwale are considered heroes.