Stray dogs terrorise residents of Gatarwa, Kirinyaga

The dogs have reportedly been attacking goats and pose a growing threat to children, forcing parents to escort their children to school while armed with crude weapons for protection.

Area residents, including Stephen Wachira, Barnabas Mwathe, and Priscilla Wangeci, say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with livestock losses mounting and fear spreading among families.

According to Mr. Wachira, the Kagio C village in-charge, residents frequently visit his home to report incidents involving the dogs. He recounted losing one of his goats to the animals.

“My goat, which I had nicknamed DCI, was killed and eaten this morning. We are living in constant fear,” Wachira said.

Another resident, Barnabas Mwathe, said several villagers have opted to keep their goats indoors due to the threat, disrupting their livelihoods.

Priscilla Wangeci, who lost two goats to the dogs, expressed concern over the animals’ aggressive group behaviour. She also highlighted the high cost of medical treatment in case of attacks.

“If someone is bitten, we spend over Ksh 6,000 on tetanus medication. This is too much for ordinary villagers,” she said, calling on authorities to intervene.

Residents have appealed to the Ministry of Public Health and county authorities to take urgent action before the situation escalates further.

“If nothing is done, these dogs could end up killing our children,” Mwathe warned.