Africa-Press – Kenya. An intelligence-led operation by Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers has led to the dismantling of a clandestine donkey slaughter syndicate in Makindu, preventing what authorities described as illegal steak from reaching Nairobi consumers.
In a statement shared by DCI Kenya, the operation was carried out following a tip-off about a group operating a makeshift abattoir in a secluded homestead.
The meat was reportedly destined for the Kamboo area in Nairobi.
A multi-agency team comprising DCI detectives, Kenya Police Service officers and National Government Administration Officers responded to the intelligence and moved in on the site.
The officers found the suspects in the act, “busy skinning the beasts of burden” in a hidden location deep within thickets. Authorities said the slaughtering was being conducted under the cover of darkness.
Some individuals managed to escape during the raid. However, two suspects, aged 47 and 42, were arrested at the scene. Investigators described the pair as the masterminds behind the operation.
Police also impounded a grey Isuzu D-Max, which authorities said was intended to transport the meat to Nairobi.
At the site, officers discovered that 20 donkeys had already been slaughtered. The carcasses were found scattered across the ground, highlighting what investigators termed an illegal trade that disregards public health and animal welfare concerns.
Crime Scene Investigation personnel processed the scene, collecting and preserving evidence. Officials said the procedure was conducted with “surgical precision” to support ongoing investigations and prosecution.
Meanwhile, Sub-County Veterinary and Public Health officers were deployed to the site to prevent the meat from entering the food chain. Authorities emphasised the risk posed by unregulated slaughter and consumption of such meat.
The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court.
In its statement, the DCI urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving meat outlets or illegal slaughter operations. “Your health is your wealth,” the agency said, encouraging citizens to share information through its reporting channels.
