Authorities in Kutus, Kirinyaga County, have launched an investigation after several donkey carcasses were found dumped in the area, sparking fears of illegal meat trade. Residents reported seeing suspicious activities involving the slaughter of donkeys and the sale of their meat in local markets, where it is being passed off as beef to unsuspecting consumers.
The discovery has raised public health concerns, as donkey meat is not commonly consumed in Kenya and is often slaughtered under unsanitary conditions. Local health officials have warned of the risks posed by consuming such meat, including the possibility of bacterial infections and foodborne illnesses. In response, county authorities have initiated a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and are working to trace the origins of the carcasses.
This incident has reignited debates about livestock regulation in the country. While donkey slaughter for export is legal under stringent conditions, many small-scale butchers are flouting the rules, targeting local markets where enforcement is weaker. Animal rights activists have also decried the cruelty involved in the illegal slaughter of donkeys, calling for harsher penalties for those involved
