A multi-agency team comprising the Bomet Central security team and the Public health department raided an illegal slaughterhouse in Sachangwan centre in Bomet County and arrested two suspects in connection with slaughtering dead animals.
Speaking to the media after the operation, Bomet Central Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Victor Kisachi confirmed that his officers recovered the carcass, two dead cows, and seven other emaciated cows that were queued for slaughter.
The administrator stated that they managed to trail an Isuzu D-max that was ferrying two dead cows, which eventually led them to burst and thwart the hidden private house in the remote set-up area of Bomet where the crime was taking place.
“Through a tip-off, we have managed to arrest two suspects who are now in custody for operating an illegal slaughterhouse where they are taking in dead cows and emaciated ones, slaughtering them, and ferrying them to different parts of the country,” explained Kisachi.
Preliminaries reports indicate that the two suspects have been buying dead animals and emaciated ones at cost of Sh. 250, slaughtering them, packaging and sneaking them to different destinations across the country.
Kisachi urged the public to be vigilant and always give out information that can lead the government to curtail and impede vices that are endangering human life and health.
“We are pleading with the public not to keep quiet when they see people breaking the law and endangering the health of others which contravenes the law, tip us with this information for our swift action,” urged Kisachi.
The DCC further warned that for any businessperson who will be arrested in connection with slaughtering animals violating the public health act, the law would deal with them accordingly.
Philip Kipkemoi, a sub-county public health officer affirmed that safety public health standards do not allow the slaughtering of substandard cows and an antemortem exercise needs to take place for any meat intended for human consumption.
“Business people who engage in the meat business understand clearly that the safety public health standards do not allow the slaughter of substandard animals or carcasses,” stated Mr. Kipkemoi.
“The code further states that it’s not allowed to release meat to the public that can likely endanger lives and it contravenes public health act cap 242 and sub-section 118 meat control act cap 356,” he noted.
The two suspects arrested will be arraigned in court.
By Lamech Willy
