Narok: Leaders in Narok County have raised alarms over the possible sale of donkey meat in the town following reports of unscrupulous businessmen involved in the massive transportation of the animals. Led by Narok Maasai Council of Elders’ Chairperson Kelena Ole Nchoe, the leaders decried that the donkeys were offloaded in the bushes where they were slaughtered and their meat was sold to unsuspecting customers.

According to Kenya News Agency, Ole Nchoe reiterated that despite several campaigns to sensitise the public on the illegal donkey slaughter, the vice continues in private places, leading to a reduced donkey population in the county. The elder urged the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals moving large herds of donkeys without legal permits, especially during evening hours.

‘We are used to seeing livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats migrating in search of pasture and water during dry seasons. But we have never seen donkeys being moved because they remain at the homestead to assist with household chores,’ he stated. Ole Nchoe highlighted the importance of donkeys to the community, referring to them as ‘co-wives’ for their role in aiding women in fetching firewood, water, and transporting food produce to markets.

Another elder, Robert Ole Ire, expressed gratitude to the government for closing donkey slaughterhouses that contributed to massive donkey theft. He alleged that despite the closures, donkeys are still being slaughtered in the bushes at night, posing a risk to residents who unknowingly purchase uninspected bush meat.

Sylvester Waku from Farming System Kenya (FSK) reported ongoing bush slaughter within the community, emphasizing the need for increased sensitisation efforts to encourage residents to report incidents of donkey slaughter. Waku expressed concern over the dwindling donkey population, citing Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data from 2019, which showed a reduction from 1.9 million to less than a million donkeys due to high demand for their skins and private parts.

This demand is driven by the use of donkey skin to make traditional medicine, ejiao, which is believed to have various health benefits. The global demand for donkey meat and skin led to the establishment and licensing of donkey slaughterhouses in 2016, which were later shut down in 2020 following increased donkey thefts. The licensed slaughterhouses included Goldox Kenya Limited in Mogotio, Star Brilliant in Naivasha, Silzah Limited in Lowdar, and Fuhai Limited in Machakos.