Donkey owners demand gov't action after illegal trade exposed

The Association of Donkey Owners of Kenya (ADOK) has called on the Ministry of Livestock and the Director of Veterinary Services to enforce the ban on donkey slaughter, following revelations of an illegal trade thriving despite government prohibitions.

ADOK is urging authorities to provide clear directives on the issuance of permits for donkey transportation and slaughter, warning that continued illegal activities are pushing the animals toward extinction.

The association has also demanded that the Director of Veterinary Services issue an immediate circular reaffirming the ban on both donkey slaughter and the movement of donkey products.

The demands follow a Citizen TV exposé that exposed a clandestine donkey trade operating in defiance of government orders.

Concerns from the Ground

Rev. Moses Ngoyo of ADOK Machakos highlighted public health and legal risks associated with uninspected donkey meat, saying: “Zile nyama hazipimwi na hatuelewi hali yake vile iko… kama Kenya iko chini ya AU na waliidhinisha kuwa kusiwe na hali ya uchinjaji basi tutakuwa kwa shida.”

Josprinter Temea of ADOK Kitui drew attention to the impact on women and vulnerable households saying; “Wamama ndiyo wameanza kuwa punda juu kwetu maji hukuanga shida… sasa hatuna punda, zimekuwa ndogo. Wamama wajane na wakongwe ndiyo wanachinjiwa punda sana sana.”

Stephen Muthamia, Chairman of ADOK Nairobi, condemned the theft and unregulated slaughter of donkeys in urban areas, calling for the trade to be properly regulated.

Robert Maitethia, Chairman of ADOK Kenya, accused foreign traders of exploiting Kenya’s resources, saying they were secretly transporting large quantities of donkey hides at night.

ADOK’s call comes at a critical time as the illegal donkey trade continues to thrive, threatening livelihoods and the sustainability of Kenya’s donkey population.