Police in Narok Central Sub County have arrested two individuals found illegally driving 69 donkeys without the required permit from the Department of Livestock. The animals were being moved under the cover of darkness from Rotian area towards Suswa trading center in Narok East, where authorities suspect they were destined for illegal slaughter.
Narok Central Sub County Police Commander John Momanyi confirmed the arrests, stating they followed a tip-off from concerned members of the public. Officers, working in collaboration with the Farming Systems Kenya (FSK) organization, intercepted the suspects near Ololopil and took the animals into custody.
“We collaborated with FSK to arrest the suspects and recover the 69 donkeys. We thank the public for the credible information that enabled this operation,” said Momanyi.
He urged residents who have recently lost donkeys to report to the nearest police station to aid in identifying the rightful owners. The recovered donkeys are currently being housed under FSK’s care until ownership can be verified.
Commander Momanyi also warned that police are on high alert to curb the illegal trade in donkeys, which has grown in recent years due to the high demand for their skins and body parts. “We are aware that these illegal traders use alternative routes to evade arrest, but we are working closely with village elders, chiefs, and the public to monitor and report such movements,” he added.
FSK’s Samuel Chege expressed concern over the plummeting donkey population, driven by demand for their skins, often used in traditional medicines claimed to treat ailments such as anemia, aging, and even chemotherapy side effects.
“These animals are often slaughtered in the bushes, where hygiene is compromised, increasing the risk of spreading deadly zoonotic diseases like anthrax and rabies,” Chege warned.
In 2016, Kenya licensed four donkey slaughterhouses in response to rising global demand for donkey meat and skin. However, the facilities, Goldox Kenya Limited in Mogotio, Star Brilliant in Naivasha, Silzah Limited in Lodwar, and Fuhai Limited in Machakos, were closed in 2020 following a surge in donkey theft.
Last year, top security officials from Narok, Kajiado, and Kiambu convened at Ewaso Kidong to strategize on ending the illegal slaughter of donkeys after a spike in theft and bush killings across counties.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to curbing this illicit trade and safeguarding both public health and the welfare of donkeys.
Written By Rodney Mbua
