Stray dogs attack leaves man dead, sparks calls for action in Kabete

Residents of Gathunguti Village following a fatal attack by a pack of stray dogs that killed a 37-year-old man. [Kimaku Chege, Standard]

A 37-year-old man has died after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs while walking home in Gathunguti Village, Kabete, Kiambu County.

The deceased, identified as George Kimani, was reportedly attacked by the dogs as he made his way home. His cousin, George Kimani Wamaitha, discovered him being mauled by the pack and raised the alarm, prompting neighbours to come to his rescue.

Wamaitha says they managed to drive away the dogs before using a neighbour’s vehicle to rush Kimani to hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries while on the way to the health facility.

“I found him being attacked by the dogs and raised the alarm. We used a neighbour’s car to rush him to hospital, but unfortunately, he died on the way,” said George Kimani Wamaitha, the deceased’s cousin.

The incident has sparked fresh concern among residents, who say the same pack of dogs has been roaming several villages in the area and attacking livestock.

Residents allege that goats and sheep have previously been killed by the dogs, with the animals often moving around in groups. They say the owners of the dogs remain unknown.

Agnes Gitau, a resident, said the community has been living with growing fear over the stray dogs, which she says have become a persistent threat to both people and livestock.

The residents are now calling on the county government to urgently intervene and deal with the stray dogs before another person is attacked.

“Where do we live with our children if these dogs continue roaming around? We need these animals to be domesticated and those responsible for them to take action,” said Elizabeth Wachu, a resident.

The calls for action come as families prepare for the reopening of schools next week, with residents expressing concern over children walking to and from school.

“There is a need for an urgent response, especially now that schools are reopening next week. We cannot have children walking to school while these dangerous dogs are roaming freely,” said Nungari Muchai, a resident.

Residents are also calling for measures to prevent the spread of rabies, particularly among people who may have come into contact with the dogs.

Jane Thogori Gitaru Ward MCA said the county’s Public Health Department will be involved in vaccination efforts, alongside measures to remove the stray animals from the area.

“Vaccination will be carried out through the Public Health Department, and we will also work with the relevant authorities to remove the stray dogs from the area,” said Jane Thogori.

The residents are further appealing to local health facilities to ensure rabies vaccines are readily available so that anyone bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal can receive timely medical attention.

The death of Kimani has renewed calls for urgent action to address the stray dog menace in Gathunguti and neighbouring villages, with residents warning that failure to act could result in more attacks.