Father Of Child Mauled By Stray Dogs In Iringa Recounts Shock, Pain And Rising Medical Costs

Former Mwananchi Newspapers photographer in Iringa Region, Saidi Ng’amilo

Iringa. Former Mwananchi Newspapers photographer in Iringa Region, Saidi Ng’amilo, has narrated the painful moment he received news that his nine-year-old daughter had been brutally attacked by stray dogs, describing the incident as one of the most devastating experiences of his life.

Ng’amilo said he was away from home when he received a phone call informing him that his daugther, Rahimatullahi Ng’amilo (9), had been mauled by four dogs, leaving him in shock, fear and deep emotional distress.

“I completely lost control when I received the news. I broke down in tears. No parent is prepared to hear that their child is fighting for his life,” he said.

He added that when he finally reached the hospital, he found his daughter in critical condition, suffering from severe injuries to several parts of his body and complaining of intense pain.

Speaking to the Citizen Digital, Ng’amilo today said the child is currently receiving treatment at the Iringa Regional Referral Hospital, but the cost of medical care has become an overwhelming burden, having already exceeded Sh800,000, with expenses continuing to rise.

According to Ng’amilo, his daughter has undergone two surgical operations, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for several days, and is now recovering in Children’s Ward No. 6.

“I am doing everything within my means, but what hurts me the most is hearing my child describe the pain he is going through every time I visit him,” Ng’amilo said.

“It is unbearable for a parent to watch their child suffer.”

He has appealed to well-wishers, relatives and members of the public to support him in meeting the medical expenses so that his son can recover fully and return to school.

Confirming the incident, Dr Alfred Mwakalebela, the Medical Officer in Charge of Iringa Regional Referral Hospital, said the child was received in a very critical condition.

“The child had deep dog-bite wounds on various parts of the body, including the head and thighs. We had to urgently stop the bleeding, stitch the wounds and thoroughly clean them before further treatment,” Dr Mwakalebela explained.

Rahimatullahi Ng’amilo (9),

He added that the hospital frequently receives cases of children attacked by dogs, but many are brought in late, increasing the risk of complications. He noted that rabies vaccination falls under the mandate of the Livestock Department.

Dr Mwakalebela urged dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies and properly restrained to prevent them from roaming freely in residential areas.

Meanwhile, Iringa Municipal Livestock Officer, Abishani Mwaisango, acknowledged that stray dogs remain a serious challenge in the municipality, though emergency medical clearance was promptly issued to ensure the child received treatment without delay.

He said the municipality continues to educate residents on responsible dog ownership, including confining dogs between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., using chains or secure kennels.

According to Mwaisango, Iringa Municipality is estimated to have about 700 dogs, with annual vaccination campaigns conducted in all wards.

“There are still challenges in eliminating stray dogs due to limited cooperation from some residents,” he said.

He explained that while firearms were previously used to control stray dogs, the municipality has now adopted alternative methods, including the use of baited traps, particularly in areas such as Ngelewala slaugter house, , Mwangata, Kitwiru, Mkimbizi, Kihesa, Mkwawa and around the Mwangata dumpsites

Mwaisango noted that stray dog incidents tend to increase during the dry season, which coincides with the dogs’ breeding period.

Recounting how the child was rescued, Kelvin Peter, a resident of the area, said he heard screams and rushed to the scene without hesitation.

“When I arrived, I found the child surrounded by four aggressive dogs with nowhere to run,” he said.

“I had to scare them away using loud shouts and force to save his life.”

The incident has once again raised public concern over children’s safety, the control of stray dogs, and the heavy medical costs borne by families affected by such attacks.

Ends

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