Written By Lisa Murimi
Residents of Kiriita and Leshaupondo wards in Nyandarua County are grappling with a disturbing trend of livestock theft and mysterious deaths linked to chemical poisoning.
The thieves, reportedly targeting widows and senior citizens, have been killing cows, goats, and chickens, leaving communities in shock.
Locals allege that the culprits use potent chemicals to kill the animals, taking away select parts while leaving contaminated carcasses behind.
The toxins have caused most of the poisoned livestock to succumb, raising fears about environmental and public health risks.
Kiriita Ward MCA Milka Wanjiru Ndirangu expressed grave concerns, warning that the chemicals could contaminate water sources during rains.
“It’s a health hazard. Pests and insects avoid the carcasses, which speaks volumes about the severity of the toxins,” she remarked.
Residents and leaders are also alarmed by the potential sale of contaminated meat in local markets, endangering unsuspecting consumers.
Authorities have urged residents to only buy inspected meat and for health officers to enforce stringent checks.
This incident mirrors similar cases across Kenya, including a Bomet syndicate exposed for selling meat from sick cattle and a Murang’a anthrax outbreak that hospitalized villagers earlier this year.
