Nairobi: Narok town residents have been cautioned against purchasing uninspected meat following reports that certain butcheries were distributing meat not suitable for human consumption.
According to Kenya News Agency, Narok Central Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Ali Shakur confirmed that some butchers have been selling unauthorized meat to unsuspecting members of the public.
He noted that an individual was apprehended at Midland Butchery in Narok town while selling uninspected meat. The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court to face charges related to the violation of public health laws. “Acting on a tip-off, I led the police and local chief to raid Midland Butchery along Nyawera Road, where we established that the joint was selling uninspected cow meat,” he said.
Public health officers were summoned to inspect the meat, and they confirmed that it was not fit for human consumption. The Mulot slaughterhouse in Narok West Sub County was recently reopened after months of closure, following findings by public health and livestock officers that it was distributing unfit meat to the public.
Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia advised public health officers to be vigilant in fulfilling their duties and instructed them to conduct thorough inspections of all slaughterhouses and butcheries in the county to prevent the sale of unhealthy meat to the public. He also urged livestock farmers to dispose of carcasses of sick animals responsibly, rather than sending them to slaughterhouses where the meat could be sold to unsuspecting consumers.
“The public health officers should make regular impromptu visits to all slaughterhouses and butcheries. Any butchery selling meat without the official stamp should be closed immediately,” he stated. Additionally, the public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any farmers transporting sickly animals to slaughterhouses.