Donkey meat on sale? Kirinyaga residents raise alarm after series of thefts, dumped carcasses

Paul Mwangi, a resident of Nguka Village in Nguka Location, Mwea West Sub-County, said he discovered the theft early Tuesday morning when he woke up at about 5 am and found two of his donkeys missing.

After alerting neighbours, Mwangi and his friend, Julius Murage, launched a search that led them to the animals' carcasses near a tarmacked road.

Mwangi estimated the value of the two donkeys at more than Ksh. 30,000, saying the loss had dealt a devastating blow to his livelihood.

He explained that he had left his cart by the roadside the previous night after it developed mechanical problems and had planned to return for it in the morning with the donkeys. Instead, he found the animals had been stolen and slaughtered.

His sister, Regina Wambui, said the donkeys were his only reliable source of income, adding that the only animal left behind is blind and unable to work.

Residents of the Mwea Rice Scheme depend heavily on donkeys to transport harvested rice, firewood and water, making the theft a major setback for families that rely on the animals for daily income.

Mary Muthee, the chairperson of Donkey Owners in Kirinyaga County, said at least four donkeys have been stolen in Thiba Ward in recent weeks. She said donkey owners have scheduled a meeting on Thursday to discuss the rising cases and explore ways of protecting their animals.

Murage expressed concern over the boldness of the thieves, noting that the animals were slaughtered close to a public road.

He also raised concerns about the possible destination of the meat, warning that stolen donkey meat could end up being consumed by unsuspecting members of the public or sold for use as animal feed.

Residents are now urging police to intensify patrols and step up efforts to curb the growing cases of livestock theft in the area.