Police in Kiambu County have recovered freshly slaughtered donkey carcasses that were being prepared for consumption in the local market.
The seizure followed a last night’s midnight raid in Kiahiti village in Gatune Sub-location, where over seven skinned carcasses were found on the ground.
Earlier, the officers based at Nachu police post had received intelligence on the planned slaughter and arrived at the scene on time as the meat vendors were slaughtering the donkeys.
Donkey meat finds its way to butcheries and meat joints in the city disguised as beef and is sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Kiahiti residents had complained of disturbance during the night by sounds of donkeys in distress as they were being led to the slaughter.
The officers also realised that after the beasts of burden are slaughtered, the traders extract boneless meat which they sell to the city residents at a very high price referring it as need pellet.
No flesh is left to waste as the traders also package the donkey intestines, kidneys and other internal organs which are sold to outlets dealing in popular roadside delicacy including the popular mutura and supu which are loved by middle class earners in city suburbs.
Police have launched manhunt for three suspects who escaped from the dragnet.
Ms Riziki, a communication officer at Kendat, a non-governmental organisation that advocates for rights of donkeys said very many beats of burden are slaughtered almost every day threatening their existence.
