Two Arrested in Kitui for Ferrying Donkey Meat in Saloon Car
A multi-agency security team has arrested two suspects caught ferrying donkey meat and hides in a saloon car near Kanyonyo area in Kitui County. The suspects are currently being held at Kanyonyo Police Station and are expected to be arraigned in court soon.
The arrests have sparked concern among residents, who are now calling for increased police patrols to prevent the illegal slaughter and sale of donkey meat. “We fear that this meat might be sold to unsuspecting buyers in local markets,” one resident stated.
Rising Cases of Donkey Meat Trade
Kitui is not the only county grappling with the illegal donkey meat trade. Similar cases have been reported across the country, with Kirinyaga and Embu counties also witnessing an increase in such incidents.
Last month, police in Embu arrested a driver and seized 1,500 kilograms of donkey meat suspected to be destined for an illicit market. Detectives, acting on intelligence, intercepted a Toyota Hiace van along the Kiritiri-Embu Highway around midnight. Upon inspection, officers found over 15 donkey carcasses packed in sacks, along with hides and private parts.
Authorities Crack Down on Illicit Trade
Authorities have warned that the sale of donkey meat poses serious health risks, as many of these operations are conducted in unhygienic conditions. Additionally, the illegal slaughter of donkeys has had a devastating impact on farmers who rely on the animals for transport and farming activities.
The government has been intensifying efforts to curb the trade by shutting down unlicensed slaughterhouses and conducting crackdowns on transporters. However, as the latest arrests indicate, the illegal business continues to thrive in different parts of the country.
Way Forward
Residents and consumer rights groups are urging authorities to impose stiffer penalties on individuals caught engaging in the donkey meat trade. They are also calling for public awareness campaigns to educate people on how to identify contaminated or illicit meat.
As investigations continue, Kenyans remain on high alert, hoping that tougher enforcement will finally bring an end to the growing menace.
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Two Arrested in Kitui for Ferrying Donkey Meat in Saloon Car