Panic in Murang’a over rising cases of stray dogs disturbing residents
By Wangari Njuguna, February 4, 2026Public health officers from Murang’a have urged members of the public to be on the lookout for stray dogs that are attacking people.
Phelis Njue, the county chief health officer, said that in the past two weeks, about five people have been attacked by stray dogs, which are suspected to be infected with rabies.
He said the cases have been reported in Maragua and Kiharu, and the patients have received treatment at Murang’a Hospital.
Through a phone conversation on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Njue urged anyone who might have been bitten by a stray dog to report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible to receive vaccination against rabies.
“We have had several cases of people being attacked by stray dogs marauding in the villages, and they pose a health threat to the residents,” said Njue.
He also urged dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated so that they do not contract the disease and endanger people’s lives.
“Even people with cats should ensure they are vaccinated because they can also spread the disease,” he added.
Njue advised that when bitten, one should wash the wound with running water and soap before going to the hospital for an anti-rabies injection.
“The disease is preventable, but if not treated, it can be fatal. That’s why we are putting this caution out there,” he remarked.
The public health officer also warned of the impending risk of disease arising from water contamination, saying that due to the acute water shortage being experienced, hygiene standards—especially in eateries—might be compromised.
He singled out food hawkers who usually operate under little or no supervision and can easily contaminate food, exposing consumers to a health risk.
“The food handlers should ensure they prepare food under proper hygiene standards using clean water to avoid any contamination,” he added.
“Public handwashing points should have running water and soap for use,” he added.