Authorities in Embu County have issued a stern warning to residents following the seizure of 1,500 kilograms of donkey meat along the Kiritiri-Embu Highway. The interception, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, has once again highlighted the rampant illegal slaughter and trade of donkey meat in the region.
Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) flagged down a suspicious vehicle, only to discover a large consignment of donkey meat packed in sacks. Alongside the meat, police found 15 donkey hides and a separate package containing the reproductive organs of the animals, raising concerns about a potential black market trade. Three suspects, including the driver, were immediately arrested, and investigations are now underway to uncover the network behind the illicit trade.
This incident comes just months after another shocking discovery in December 2023, when authorities uncovered 20 freshly slaughtered donkey carcasses in a homestead in Runyenjes Constituency. The frequency of such cases has raised fears that the trade is being fueled by a well-organized syndicate operating in the county and beyond.
Health Officials Sound the Alarm
In response to the latest seizure, Embu West Sub-County Public Health Officer John Njagi has urged residents to be extra vigilant when purchasing meat. He emphasized the importance of verifying the source of their meat, warning that consuming uninspected products poses serious health risks.
“We are stepping up monitoring efforts to ensure uninspected meat is removed from the market to protect the public from potential health risks,” Njagi stated.
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Arthur Njiru echoed similar concerns, citing a recent anthrax outbreak in parts of Embu in December 2023 as a significant threat. He cautioned that consuming unregulated meat could expose consumers to dangerous infections and long-term health complications.
Authorities Step Up Crackdown
Law enforcement agencies have assured the public that efforts to dismantle the illegal donkey meat trade are ongoing. The latest interception is part of a broader crackdown on the illicit slaughter of donkeys, a practice that has gained traction due to the high demand for donkey meat and hides in illegal markets.
Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to meat handling and distribution. Meanwhile, residents are advised to only purchase meat from licensed butcheries and ensure it bears an inspection stamp from the relevant authorities.
