A mother and her son have been injured and hospitalized after their donkey turned violent and attacked them in Katheka Kai Machakos County.
The domesticated animal that helps in carrying water and firewood for use in the homestead turned violent causing harm and panic to its owners.
Katheka Kai Assistant Chief Daniel Maweu said he was alerted by villagers of an attack by a male donkey that turned rogue and injured its owners on Tuesday.
Maweu said he rushed to the scene, ensured the injured were rushed to hospital and involved the agricultural and veterinary officers to try and subdue the donkey to avoid further attacks.
He said it was quite unusual for donkeys to attack humans and cautioned residents to seek treatment immediately after being attacked by an animal, especially for rabies and tetanus vaccine to prevent infection.
The mother, Selina Ndinda, said a fight had ensued between her male and female donkey and while together with her son, they tried to separate them, but the male attacked them on their arms and legs as they called for help and they were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Selina said they received a tetanus injection but due to financial challenges, she could not afford the rabies vaccine which required her and her son who is still admitted to get each five vaccines for a whole month each for Sh1000 and called for well-wishers to help her get treatment.
Selina said she is scared and does not feel safe around the donkey and disclosed plans to kill it or sell it to an interested party.
David Musembi a farmer and livestock keeper in Katheka Kai said it was not uncommon for domesticated animals to attack humans especially when provoked, agitated and on heat, and urged residents to be cautious.
By Anne Kangero
