Narok: The fight against theft and illegal slaughter of donkeys in Narok and Kajiado counties has intensified as residents from the Ewaso Kidong area, which borders the two counties, have united to ban donkey slaughter on their land. The residents revealed that their parcels of land were being exploited for donkey slaughter, with tens of donkeys being killed daily and their meat transported to other counties to unsuspecting customers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the illegal donkey slaughter has resulted in environmental degradation and exposed the residents to airborne diseases. James Ole Timput, one of the elders, highlighted the significant losses caused by donkey slaughter, which has hindered the economic growth of residents who primarily depend on donkeys for their livelihood. Donkeys assist with fetching water, transporting firewood, and taking sick individuals to the hospital.
The dwindling population of donkeys has raised concerns about their future, especially given the lengthy calving period. Ole Timput shared his personal experience, stating, “I had many donkeys but currently I have only three that remained after others were stolen,” and emphasized the difficulty in tracing stolen animals due to nearby illegal slaughter activities. He recounted discovering slaughtered donkeys on his land and the challenges in involving law enforcement, as the culprits often escape.
Ole Timput passionately appealed, “If you want to slaughter a donkey, please do not do it at my farm because I am not a donkey eater; a donkey is my friend and if my friend is gone, who will be left to help me?” He also warned that the elders have vowed to curse anyone permitting their land to be used for donkey slaughter. Nesta Ole Ita, another village elder, noted that while donkey slaughter began as a small-scale activity two years ago, it has evolved into a larger operation, with donkeys even being brought from neighboring Tanzania.
The reduction in donkey population has been significant, with homesteads now having only a few donkeys compared to the past. The illegal activity has also attracted wild animals, posing a threat to local livestock. Traditional chief Ole Nkaburi Koin reiterated the elders’ decision to curse those involved in donkey slaughter, ensuring they do not benefit from their actions.
The elders’ decision follows a recent meeting by Narok and Kajiado county commissioners aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of allowing land to be used for donkey slaughter, with both administrators committed to combating the illegal trade.