Authorities in Laikipia County have launched an investigation into sale of uninspected meat in local trading centres following public outcry over theft of sheep and goats in farms.
Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said unscrupulous traders were taking advantage of the cheaply available stolen livestock to make huge profit margin without regard of public health guidelines.
“It is believed that those who steal livestock, slaughter and stock in local butcheries without subjecting the product for mandatory inspection, thereby exposing members of the public to the risk of contracting diseases. This must stop,” warned Kanyiri.
He noted that those found with unstamped meat in their butcheries, will be charged in a court of law.
“We will be inspecting slaughter houses to ascertain the stamp from the meat inspectors. If not stamped, the seller will have a case to answer,” said Kanyiri.
The incident comes after irate residents from Matanya village, Laikipia central sub county over the weekend, set ablaze a Toyota Probox suspected to have been involved in the transportation of the missing livestock.
During the incident, Commissioner Kanyiri told KNA that the suspects reportedly threw the stolen livestock through the windows of their vehicle while escaping the wrath of the angry mob who were baying for their blood. However, administrator cautioned residents against taking law into their own hands and let the police handle the matter.
The County Commissioner said that 45 sheep belonging to Martha Gathinji from Marura sub-location were also stolen on the wee hours of Sunday morning and after the police search, eight lambs were recovered at Mountex along Nanyuki River.
This comes barely two weeks after a Nanyuki-based butchery owner was arrested after 43 suspected stolen sheep were found at his homestead at Ruai village on the outskirts of Nanyuki town.
Kanyiri said a racket involving theft of livestock and sale of uninspected meat within Nanyuki town has been going on for a while.
He further warned against transportation of livestock at night in Laikipia County.
By Muturi Mwangi
