Kirinyaga: Man Killed, Several Bitten as Stray Dogs Terrorise Residents
- A 35-year-old Kirinyaga man died of tetanus days after a dog bite, sparking public outrage over delayed treatment
- Residents revealed the victim, a father from Kiamanyeki, couldn't afford a tetanus shot and died without proper care
- Stray dog attacks reportedly began months ago in Ngurubani and have since spread to nearby villages, injuring several
- Despite earlier maulings of children in February, locals say little has been done, and fear in Tebere Ward is rising
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Residents of Ngurubani and neighbouring villages in Kirinyaga county are living in fear following a disturbing wave of stray dog attacks that has gripped Tebere Ward.
Source: UGC
At least one man has died since the attacks began, and several others, including children, have been injured in what locals now call a silent crisis.
How did Kirinyaga man die after dog attack?
The man's tragic death has sparked outrage and urgent calls for intervention from both residents and local leaders.
Kennedy Odinga Obwao, a 35-year-old father from Kiamanyeki village, succumbed to tetanus at Kerugoya County Hospital days after being bitten by a stray dog.
According to Reuben Nderitu, a resident of Kiamanyeki, Obwao had delayed seeking medical attention due to a lack of funds.
"He delayed seeking treatment due to financial constraints and was unable to afford a tetanus injection," Nderitu said as reported by Citizen Digital.
Tebere Ward MCA Peter Karinga condemned the county government’s slow response, warning that the situation could spiral further if action is not taken immediately.
"This situation is getting out of hand. Kennedy Odinga Ambao didn’t receive medical attention in time because he couldn’t afford the cost of tetanus. According to his wife, Peninah Wambui, he eventually succumbed to tetanus," Karinga confirmed.
When did Kirinyaga dog attacks start?
Karinga revealed that the outbreak of dog attacks began months ago in Kithogo Estate, within Ngurubani town, before spreading into surrounding villages.
He explained that since the attacks started, the number of victims was rising, stating that two victims are recovering at home.
"Now we have lost one person in Kiamanyeki, and two others, Moses Kariuki and an 11-year-old girl, are receiving treatment for tetanus at home. It’s heartbreaking," he said.
The growing population of stray dogs has become a daily threat, especially to children and the elderly.
On February 13, two children from Kithogongo slums were mauled by strays and rushed to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital.
Source: Getty Images
Their case was the first major public warning sign, but months later, residents say nothing has changed.
"The unpredictable behaviour of these dogs has spread fear and anxiety throughout Kiamanyeki village," Nderitu stated.
Residents have demanded swift action to manage the stray dog menace and improve access to basic medical care, particularly the availability of tetanus medicine in health facilities.
Why are Trans Nzoia residents living in fear?
In another incident, residents of Kiptenden Farm in Trans Nzoia county are gripped by fear after rabid dogs attacked 12 people, among them a mother and her toddler, since May 22.
Local assistant chief Gilbert Chepsiror warns the outbreak spiked despite a recent mass vaccination campaign.
Victims, including the mother and child, are being treated at Ziwa Sub‑County Hospital, and livestock losses include three cows killed.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
