Nkatha was sent by her grandmother Gladys Makena to collect milk from a neighbour, who is a relative, before the tragedy struck at around 5.30pm at the weekend.
On her way, six stray dogs attacked, mauled and left her with fatal bites all over her body.
All this happened as her young mother, Catherine Kagendo, 23, a Form Two student, was attending afternoon preps, unaware of the incident that left her daughter fighting for her life at Meru Level Five Hospital. The little girl later died as doctors struggled to save her life.
“As we enjoyed a cup of tea with relatives, I sent the young girl to collect milk at my neighbour’s home. Moments later, I was attracted by desperate calls of help upon which I rushed to the scene and found the mutilated girl lying in a pool of blood,” said her grandfather, Jotham Mutuma.
Solve issue
The dogs had previously attacked and killed sheep and goats in the neighbourhood. The dogs’ owner Nkunja Muturithia has not made efforts to solve the issue. The incident was reported at Meru Police Station.
On the fateful day, the same dogs attacked and injured another child, Antony Muriuki, a Class Seven pupil injuring him on his neck, legs and eyes. Residents cannot carry on with their chores for fear of being attacked by the dogs.
The boy has since been ferried to Isiolo District Hospital for treatment. Residents recounted how the dogs have become a menace.
Naomi Kanorio said she was recently attacked by the dogs and had to climb a tree to save her life. “I was lucky to have rescued myself from the canines by climbing a tree when they attacked me on my way home,” said the 40-year-old Kanorio.
Emma’s mother wants police to expedite their investigation and hopes that justice will prevail for her family and those others who were affected.
“This is serious matter that the police cannot just wish away. I hope that they carefully carry out their investigation so that justice can be done,” said the mother. -Standard Digital
