Two Arrested After Police Raid an Illegal Donkey Abattoir in Kiambu

Police in Limuru, Kiambu County are holding two suspects after they were found in possession of donkey meat and skins.

Patrick Muiruri (29) and Elizabeth Wangeci (32) were arrested on Wednesday after a multi-agency team raided a five-acre forest in Ndeiya where the suspects are alleged to have been slaughtering the animals under unhygienic conditions before selling their meat to butcheries in Nairobi and Kiambu.

Police believe at least 100 donkeys are slaughtered inside the forest every night and the meat is distributed to local outlets.

During the operation, officers recovered donkey skins that had been lined up for export by the suspects. 

Two vehicles believed to have been used to transport meat to Burma Market and other locations in Nairobi and Kiambu were also impounded.

Confirming the incident, Kiambu County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said police are pursuing other suspects who are still at large. 

He noted that thousands of donkeys have been slaughtered, and their carcasses have spread over an area estimated to be about five hectares.

“We shall leave no stone unturned and my security team will ensure that the illegal activity is put to an end completely,” he said.

Public health officers in Kiambu have sought a court order allowing them to dispose of the recovered meat and donkey carcasses found at the scene.