Stolen donkeys found slaughtered in Kirinyaga

Residents of Mwea in Kirinyaga County are expressing growing concern over a surge in livestock theft, with donkeys becoming a prime target in recent weeks.

In the latest incident, two donkeys belonging to a local resident were stolen on Tuesday night from Gituto village in Thiba Ward, Mwea West Sub-County. The animals were later found slaughtered at the nearby Gituto playing ground, sparking outrage among local residents.

Led by concerned locals Pius Njogu and John Munene, the residents lamented the increasing trend of donkey thefts, warning that the menace could plunge many youth into joblessness.

"In Mwea, young people depend on donkeys to transport rice, fetch water, and carry firewood for the community. What are they going to do now?" posed Mr. Njogu.

Sammy Njenga, the affected donkey owner, revealed he had recently suffered another loss, with two cows stolen from him, amounting to a total financial hit of over Ksh.30,000. “I have been left with nothing, and I’m an orphan. We want the government to step in and deal firmly with these cattle thieves,” he pleaded.

John Munene raised further alarm, suggesting that the stolen donkeys may be ending up in local eateries without public awareness. “These thieves operate at night. We could be unknowingly eating donkey meat in our local hotels. Public health officers in Kirinyaga must take action, especially with the increased sale of meat on the streets,” said Mr. Munene.

Peter Wainaina, another resident, condemned the ongoing thefts, claiming the problem has become widespread and is happening weekly. “We’ve witnessed several cases in Ngurubani, Thiba, Kutus, Makutano, and other major towns in Kirinyaga,” he noted.

The residents are now calling on local authorities and security agencies to intensify patrols, investigate the rising cases, and bring the culprits to book.