Donkeys
Donkey farmers in Ewaso Kidong area at the border of Narok and Kajiado counties have raised concern over rampant donkey slaughter in the area.
The residents who spoke during a donkey farmers forum on Saturday organized by the Brooke East Africa through Farming System Kenya estimated that about 70 donkeys are transported from different parts of the country and slaughtered in the bushy area every week.
The residents led by Joseph Ndiambut said the meat slaughtered is transported to major towns and cities and sold to unsuspecting customers in the guise of goat meat. “We are worried about the future of donkeys because the trend of the animals disappearing without a trace is increasing every day. We are distressed that the animal may become extinct,” he said.
He recalled that in the past, donkeys were precious animals that used to transport the elderly and sick when people were migrating from one place to another to look for food and water. “This made the beast of burden a very prestigious animal and it was a taboo to slaughter the animal and eat its meat. Instead, when the animal died out of old age or sickness, it was buried in an honorable manner,” he said.
Zuri Medical Health consultant officer Dr Amanda Gamba (centre) with Bomet county health chief officer Felix Langat (left) and Bruno Kiptoo, a developer for Zuri Health during a medical camp in Sotik sub county
The beast of burden is still regarded as a prestigious animal in the modern days as it is the source of livelihood in many families, he continued. Both women and men use it to transport goods to the market, fetch water, fetch firewood, and transport livestock feeds among others.
“Without a donkey, our lives are completely doomed. Most of the homes are driven by donkeys as they use the income from the donkeys to educate their children, feed their families, build houses among others,” he said. The area Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Inspector Peter Kobia called on residents to report suspicious persons who deal with donkey meat so as to curb the illegal trade in the area.
“It is criminal to slaughter a donkey. They are mostly slaughtered in the bushes at night between 1am and 2am when people are asleep. Please let us work together to end this distasteful business,” he said. John Maina of farming system Kenya said the forum was meant to sensitize the donkey farmers on the importance of protecting their animals from theft.
“Sometimes you go to a restaurant and you are served a lot of meat at a low price. On such occasions you should inquire if the meat you are enjoying is really goat meat,” he cautioned the residents.