A security guard was mauled to death by four dogs in an attack at a yard in Embakasi, Nairobi.

Jonathan Lelenguiya, who is a guard at a private security company in the same area, was walking home after an overnight duty when he decided to pass by a yard to say hi to his friend and colleague.

He knew there were security dogs therein but could not imagine they would attack him.

Kauta Lenailapu, a handler at the yard,  told police when Lelenguiya who worked for Malplast Industries Limited arrived at the Swami Container Depot Limited compound on Monday morning, the German Shepherd dogs, which were loose, started to chase him as he took to his heels.

The gate had locked itself and this stopped him from escaping.

The four dogs attacked and pushed him to the ground, mauling him as he screamed for help in vain.

The handler who was present could not control the animals as they competed to bite the guard even as he tried to fight them off.

The handler called for help and they managed to fight off and contain the dogs. By then, the deceased had sustained serious injuries.

An ambulance was called to the scene and rushed him to the Bellevue South Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Officials said he had bled too much and was too weak.

Nairobi police boss James Mugera said they have opened an inquest file into the attack as part of the probe into the incident.

“We are investigating the incident to establish what happened and how,” he said.

This will also enable the family of the deceased to seek compensation.

One can sue for compensation in case of such fatal bites or serious injuries.

Section 243 (d) of the Penal Code says any person who, in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life or to be likely to cause harm to any other person omits to take precautions against any probable danger from any animal in his possession is guilty of a misdemeanour.