Residents of Mwea in Kirinyaga County are grappling with a rising wave of livestock theft, with donkeys now becoming a prime target for criminals. The latest incident has sent shockwaves across the community after two donkeys stolen from Gituto village in Thiba Ward, Mwea West Sub-County, were discovered slaughtered at a nearby playing ground.
The grisly discovery has sparked outrage among locals, many of whom rely heavily on donkeys for their livelihoods. Community members led by Pius Njogu and John Munene condemned the spate of thefts, expressing fears that the trend could push many youths into joblessness.
“In Mwea, young people depend on donkeys to transport rice, fetch water, and carry firewood for the community. What are they going to do now?” lamented Mr. Njogu.
The latest victim, Sammy Njenga, recounted his loss with anguish. In addition to the donkeys, he recently lost two cows to theft, bringing his total financial loss to over Ksh.30,000. “I have been left with nothing, and I’m an orphan. We want the government to step in and deal firmly with these cattle thieves,” Njenga pleaded.
Concerns have also been raised about the possible infiltration of donkey meat into local food outlets. Mr. Munene voiced fears that unsuspecting residents might be consuming donkey meat, especially with the increased sale of unregulated meat on the streets. “These thieves operate at night. We could be unknowingly eating donkey meat in our local hotels. Public health officers in Kirinyaga must take action,” he urged.
Peter Wainaina, another resident, pointed out that such incidents have become alarmingly frequent, citing similar cases in Ngurubani, Thiba, Kutus, Makutano, and other towns in the county.
The residents are now calling on local authorities and security agencies to intensify patrols, investigate the thefts, and ensure justice is served. They insist that without swift action, the growing insecurity will continue to erode livelihoods and trust in local governance.
