By Emmanuel Maleve
Kitui CECM for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Stephen Kimwele, has issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in the illegal donkey meat trade. Speaking when he made a stopover at Kanyonyoo, police station, Dr. Kimwele called for vigilance in stamping out the donkey slaughter menace which he termed a major threat to Kitui communities whose lifeline is donkeys.
His sentiments came days after the police at Kanyonyoo area intercepted a pickup truck ferrying fresh donkey carcasses from Mwingi to an unidentified destination.Three male suspects who were aboard the seized vehicle were arrested and the carcasses impounded for destruction.
CEC Kimwele said the incident exposed the ongoing illegal donkey meat trade in the region and called for concerted efforts between the County Government and relevant stakeholders in eradicating the illicit business.He further commended the multi-agency security team for their swift response which led to interception of the contraband and nabbing of the suspects, who are awaiting arraignment in court and also expressed gratitude to the public, police and administration for surveillance and good coordination in maintaining community safety.
Dr. Kimwele affirmed that those involved in this illegal trade would face the full force of the law.Ambrose Musyimi of Caritas-Kitui, indicated their readiness to work closely with the county administration in protection of donkeys in the county.He said through the ‘Mtunze Punda Daima’ program, Caritas-Kitui seeks to sensitive residents on proper care for the animals as a key supporter of their livelihoods.
Mr. Musyimi also urged the community to stay alert and report any instances of donkey slaughter to local authorities and security agencies.
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