Closed slaughterhouse caught processing donkeys in Masinga

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Thousands of donkey hides have been discovered at an illegal slaughterhouse in Kithyoko Market, Masinga in Machakos county.

The discovery has exposed an alleged clandestine operation that authorities say continued despite the facility’s official closure.

The hides were uncovered on Wednesday when Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma Muganda led senior security officials in an impromptu raid on the facility, which had reportedly been closed several years ago.

The security team found fresh donkey hides and meat at the slaughterhouse, alongside workers who were processing meat and hides despite a notice at the entrance declaring the facility closed.

“We have found fresh donkey meat. We have also found fresh hides that were spread out to dry and on which salt had been applied to preserve them. There were also dried hides that were ready to be transported elsewhere,” Muganda told journalists after the raid.

Several workers were found inside the premises, even though a signboard at the entrance stated: “This is a restricted area. This company is closed until further notice.”

Muganda said the notice appeared to create the impression that the slaughterhouse was no longer operational, while activities continued at the premises.

“This facility has been operating against the law. What I know is that the slaughter of donkeys and trade in their products is outlawed in Kenya,” he said, warning that those behind the operation would face legal action.

He directed that the facility and the recovered stockpile remain under round-the-clock security surveillance as authorities finalise plans for the disposal of the hides and meat recovered during the raid.

“Just as it has happened with illegal ivory and other game trophies, we will have to destroy all the hides and products found in this illegal Kithyoko slaughterhouse,” Muganda said.

The regional commissioner expressed concern that the operation had allegedly continued in an area with a strong presence of police, administration police and national government administration officers.

“It is shocking and surprising that the slaughter of donkeys and trade in donkey hides has been arbitrarily taking place here in Kithyoko, Masinga, where the police commander, administration police commanders and my office have representatives,” he said.

Muganda warned security and administration officers against abetting the illegal trade, saying anyone found to be involved would be held accountable.

“There is no room for people to play games with the law,” he warned.

Residents welcomed the security operation, saying they had raised concerns for years about alleged clandestine activities at the slaughterhouse.

Some residents claimed donkeys that disappeared from their homesteads often ended up at the facility, raising concerns about a possible organised theft network behind the disappearances.

Resident Joseph Kuthutha Musyoka said locals had repeatedly complained about the continued activities at the slaughterhouse despite its official closure.

He warned that residents could take drastic action if the alleged clandestine activities persisted.

“If these people will not stop their stealth operation at the slaughterhouse, then there is a likelihood that sooner rather than later it will go up in flames,” Musyoka said.

Another resident, Rose Ndilu, said the alleged theft and slaughter of donkeys was depriving local families of an important source of livelihood.

“We use donkeys to carry out various chores that bring us income and enable us to pay school fees for our children and feed our families. We want the slaughterhouse shut down for good,” she said.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The discovery of thousands of donkey hides at a facility officially closed years ago raises serious questions about enforcement and regulatory oversight. The operation, allegedly continuing despite the security presence, suggests possible institutional gaps that allowed the facility to resume processing. Residents’ claims of missing donkeys deepen public concern, while the authorities’ decision to secure and destroy the products signals an urgent attempt to restore control.