Suspects Escape As Police Seize Slaughtered Donkey Carcasses

Police on Tuesday, August 15 recovered freshly slaughtered donkey carcasses that were being prepared for local consumption, at a thicket in Kiambu County. 

According to a report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the recovery followed a midnight raid at the scene of the slaughter in the proverbial Kiahiti village in the Gatune sub-location.

Over seven carcasses were found sprawled on the ground, with images shared by the investigative agency which Viral Tea was unable to publish due to their graphical nature showing the carcasses seized having already been skinned.

"Earlier, the officers based at Nachu police post had gathered intelligence on the impending slaughter and arrived at the scene on time as the unscrupulous meat vendors slaughtered the beasts of burden, whose meat finds its way to butcheries and meat joints in the city disguised as beef. 

"Residents in Kiahiti had complained of their sleep being disrupted by the insistent onomatopoeic sounds of donkeys in distress ho, hii, hoo hiiii, hooo hiiiii, brrrrrr!!!! as they were led to the scene to face the axe," narrated the DCI in part.

The officers also discovered that after slaughtering the animals, the unscrupulous traders extract boneless meat from their carcasses which is sold to meat lovers in Nairobi City.

The DCI further noted that the meat was being sold at exorbitant prices, disguised as beef fillet and other boneless chops. 

"No flesh is left to waste as the traders also package the donkey intestines, kidneys and other internal organs which are sold to outlets dealing in popular roadside delicacies; mutura, supu and matumbo. 

"City residents in populous estates including expectant mothers throng these outlets for a taste of the delicacy that is surprisingly rare to find and is sold at a reasonably low price," added DCI.

A manhunt for three suspects who escaped from the scene is currently underway, with DCI availing a hotline for anyone who will have spotted the suspects or have any information leading to their arrest.

On June 16, 2023, 25 donkey carcasses were found in a forest in the Limuru area, Kiambu County which were reportedly stolen elsewhere and taken to the forest where they were slaughtered.

Health officials and police termed the incident criminal and announced they were hunting down those behind the incident.

Donkey meat is not illegal in Kenya but the population of donkeys in the country is under threat after the High Court lifted a 2020 ban on donkey slaughterhouses, allowing them to resume selling the meat and hides to Asian markets.

Donkey slaughter was legalized in Kenya in 2012, leading to a rapid decimation of the animal population and cross-border theft. The high price for donkey hides for use in Chinese medicine has led to donkey poaching and sparked fears the animals could eventually go extinct.

Although Veterinary experts say donkey meat is safe for human consumption, its consumption is yet to gain ground in Kenya since donkeys are commonly used for the transportation of goods such as water in jerricans.