Donkey owners in Kirinyaga County are raising alarm over a surge in theft of the animals, with over 30 donkeys reported stolen and slaughtered in Mwea constituency within just one week. The escalating trend has left residents devastated and calling for urgent intervention by local authorities.
Mary Wambui, the chairperson of the donkey owners in Kirinyaga, expressed deep concern over the growing menace. “We are in crisis. These thefts are not only causing massive economic losses but also threatening the livelihoods of entire families who rely on donkeys for transportation, especially in the rice-growing areas of Mwea,” she said.
A particularly disturbing incident occurred last Friday in Rurii village, Wamumu location, where eight donkeys were found slaughtered within the compound of the new Rurii Apostolic Church. The animals, stolen earlier that morning, belonged to Miriam Njagi, who recounted how her family was unaware of the theft until morning.
“The man we employed heard dogs barking at around 3 am but went back to sleep. When we woke up at 8 am, all eight donkeys were gone. We suspect we might have been drugged,” Njagi said.
Njagi, who has suffered multiple thefts in recent months, estimates her loss at Ksh.136,000. “This is the third time thieves have hit my homestead. They stole 15 donkeys before. My husband and I now have no means of income, as we rely on these donkeys to transport rice,” she added emotionally.
Mary Wambui has urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that the situation could also pose a public health risk. “We might even be unknowingly consuming donkey meat sold in butcheries,” she cautioned.
Wamumu location chief Godfrey Mithamo confirmed that one suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody at Kiandegwa Police Post. He called on villagers to cooperate with law enforcement to help apprehend other culprits and curb the alarming trend.
Residents are now pleading for increased patrols and stricter regulations to safeguard their animals and livelihoods.
