The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A total of about 3,000 donkey hides were seized by a multi-agency security team operating along the Thika–Garissa Highway during an operation targeting illegal wildlife trade.
Police officers manning a checkpoint along the highway on Monday intercepted a lorry suspected of transporting donkey hides. The vehicle was found carrying approximately 3,000 hides, weighing an estimated 16 tonnes.
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It was immediately stopped by the security team and escorted to Nguutani Police Station, where it remains detained.
According to Mwingi West Deputy County Commissioner Rukia Chitechi, both the driver and his assistant are set to be processed and later arraigned in court in Mwingi.
She commended officers at the Border Patrol Base in Kanyonyoo for their alertness in intercepting the shipment. Preliminary findings indicate the hides may have originated from the now-closed donkey slaughter facility in Kithyoko Donkey Abattoir. Authorities also noted that the suspects had no valid documents authorizing the transport of the consignment.
Chitechi said investigators are still trying to establish the final destination of the hides, adding that they were reportedly moved from a warehouse in Kithyoko.
She further raised concern over the rising cases of donkey theft and illegal slaughter in the region, noting that many residents have lost animals to illegal traders. She emphasized that donkeys play a vital role in rural livelihoods, especially for transport and household use, and their loss continues to negatively affect families.
She also praised security agencies in the Mwingi region for sustained efforts to curb the illegal donkey trade, including meat and hides. Since December, the multi-agency team has intercepted several consignments, including 136 donkeys in one case, 38 shortly after, and 62 in March.
Additionally, she referenced an ongoing court case involving a truck intercepted in April carrying 3,721 donkey hides. In some instances, recovered stolen donkeys have been successfully returned to their owners.
Authorities say investigations into the latest seizure are ongoing as enforcement against illegal donkey trade in the region continues.
