Police in Embu have arrested a driver and seized 1,500 kilograms of donkey meat that was being transported to an unknown destination.
According to police reports, detectives acting on intelligence intercepted a Toyota Hiace van along the Kiritiri-Embu Highway at around midnight.
Upon inspection, the officers found over 15 donkey carcasses packed in sacks, along with 15 donkey hides and private parts suspected to be heading to an illicit market.
One suspect, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested and is currently in custody at Itabua Police Station.
Authorities say he is being interrogated as investigations continue to uncover the source and intended destination of the meat.
The seizure has raised alarm among residents and health officials, with authorities urging the public to be cautious when purchasing meat.
Embu West Sub-County Public Health Officer John Njagi warned that the illegal trade poses serious health risks.
“We are heightening vigilance to ensure uninspected meat is removed from the market to prevent the risk of infections,” Njagi stated.
Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Arthur Njiru echoed these concerns, citing the recent outbreak of anthrax in some parts of Embu.
“The threat of contracting zoonotic diseases is real. Consumers must be extremely careful about the source of their meat,” Dr Njiru warned
The incident sparked new concerns over illegal slaughter and meat distribution in the region barely three months after police discovered 20 freshly slaughtered donkey carcasses in a homestead in Runyenjes Constituency on December 22.
During that raid, three suspects were arrested, with investigators suspecting the meat was meant for markets in Nairobi.
Early last month, Makutano area residents in Mwea sub-county were left puzzled after discovering the carcasses of 31 donkeys that had been slaughtered in the homestead of one of their neighbours.
Authorities have vowed to crack down on the illegal trade, urging residents to report any suspicious activities related to meat transportation and sales.
