A hippopotamus that attacked and killed a Chinese tourist at Lake Naivasha has been shot dead by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.

Hell’s Gate Park warden Nelson Cheruiyot confirmed the killing of the hippo which was being hunted down after attacking the man.

According to witnesses on the ground, the man got too close to the hippo while taking a photograph.

The 66-year-old was rushed to Naivasha sub-county hospital in a critical state as he was bleeding profusely.

"We are saddened by the reaction of KWS officers who acted swiftly when a Chinese was killed but were silent when a local was involved,” David Kilo, chairman Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association.

This comes days after the controversial death of 11 rhinos that were translocated to Tsavo East National Park.