Health officials in Embu County have issued a stern warning to residents following a surge in the sale of donkey and dog meat, cautioning against consuming uninspected products that pose serious health risks.
Speaking during a public forum on Wednesday, September 10, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, Jamal Runyenje, revealed that the illegal trade has contributed to an increase in disease cases across the region.
Runyenje announced that the county government, together with security agencies, will launch a full-scale crackdown targeting traders engaged in the unlawful business. Those caught will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
“As the Minister of Health, I will not allow anyone to endanger lives under my watch. If you break the law, you will go to jail. People must be healthy and at peace,” Runyenje firmly stated.
The county also pledged to collaborate with veterinary officers to ensure daily inspections of all meat sold in local butcheries.
However, some businesspeople urged the government to engage them in consultations before issuing directives that directly affect their operations. “At times, decisions like banning animal slaughter on Sundays are made without our input. We want more dialogue before such measures are implemented,” a resident argued.
The warning comes months after a February operation, where detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intercepted a vehicle along the Kiritiri-Embu Highway carrying 1,500 kilograms of donkey meat, 15 hides, and reproductive organs. Three suspects were arrested and investigations into the illicit trade launched.
Public health officers have since intensified monitoring efforts, advising residents to only purchase inspected meat from certified outlets to avoid foodborne illnesses.
