By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT
Thousands of donkey hides were discovered at an illegal donkey slaughterhouse in Kithyoko, Masinga, Machakos County on Wednesday.
During a security crackdown led by Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma Muganda, fresh donkey meat and fresh hides were found. This was an indication that slaughter of donkey was a daily business.
Speaking during the operation, RC Muganda said the slaughterhouse had been operating contrary to the law and a manhunt for the people behind the illegal activity had kicked off in earnest.
The senior administrator said the facility would henceforth be placed under tight security as investigations continue to identify those behind the illegal activities and bring the donkey trade to an end.
He warned that anyone found to be involved in the illegal trade will face the full force of the law as donkey slaughter and trade in donkey hides were outlawed in Kenya.
Meanwhile, residents strongly opposed the continued slaughter of donkeys, saying the animals play a vital role in their livelihoods and daily activities. They were grateful about the security raid.
Some residents threatened to set the slaughterhouse on fire if donkey slaughtering activities continue.
A resident, Joseph Kuthutha said locals had repeatedly complained about the continued operations at the slaughterhouse despite its official closure. "If these people will not stop their secret operation at the slaughterhouse, then there is a likelihood that sooner rather than later it will go up in flames,”
Another resident, Rose Ndilu, said the rampant theft and slaughter of donkeys was depriving local families of an important source of livelihood. “We use donkeys to carry out various chores that bring us income and enable us to pay school fees for our children and feed our families. We want the slaughterhouse shut down for good,” she said.
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