Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma has warned those behind the illegal donkey slaughter and trade in various parts of the region that they will face the full force of the law.

The warning comes after he spearheaded a security raid a month ago of the illegally operating Kithyoko donkey slaughterhouse in Masinga Market, Machakos Constituency, and seized thousands of hides and fresh meat.

He also directed indefinite closure of the abbatoir alongside three others that have been operating in various parts of the Lower Eastern Region, where he also placed it under tight security, saying it had been operating illegally for a long time despite prior official closure.

Ouma said they are also actively pursuing individuals involved in the underground donkey skin and meat trade across the counties of Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui.

Speaking at the Easter Regional Headquarters in Embu Town on Wednesday, Ouma said they will not relent in the crackdown on the illegal trade, warning that anyone found buying, selling, or slaughtering donkeys will be dealt with firmly within the law.

“Let all those who have been involved in the illegal donkey business, including slaughtering and sale of donkey meat, take note. Anyone found buying, selling, and slaughtering donkeys will be held accountable,” he said.

Donkey farmers in the region have welcomed the efforts to curb the illegal trade, saying the closure of the four donkey slaughterhouses had restored hope among farmers who had suffered losses through donkey theft.

Farmer Gladys Nzengi said she had lost three donkeys to thieves, a loss that had disrupted both her peace of mind and livelihood.

“I am really grateful to the Regional Commissioner for ordering the closure of the illegal slaughterhouses,” she said, noting that since then, she was hopeful of continuing with her life and providing for my family.

Another donkey farmer, Josephine Mwendwa, said donkeys play an important role at the household level by undertaking various activities.

“A donkey is considered a second wife in every homestead. It helps us fetch water and firewood, collect sand, and go to the market to carry our products, among other tasks,” she stated.

She said stealing their donkeys was killing their livelihoods and called for sustenance of the war until the illegal trade was completely wiped out.

The officer in charge of donkeys’ welfare in Embu County, Margret Munyi, said the continued theft of donkeys had discouraged many farmers from rearing the animals, but the intensified crackdown had given them renewed confidence.

“Donkey farmers have suffered for a long time because of theft and the illegal trade. The renewed fight against this business has given farmers hope,” Ms. Munyi said.

During the event, the RC was presented with various gifts in recognition of his efforts to combat the illegal slaughter, sale and trade of donkeys in the Eastern Region by farmers from Machakos County.

By Samuel Waititu