On Thursday, September 24, 2026, a multi-agency team comprising officers from the National Police Service, National Government Administration Officers, and Kiambu County Government raided an illegal donkey slaughterhouse operating from a warehouse in Kalimoni Ward, Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County. The raid was conducted following reports of donkey carcasses being dumped at various locations within Juja, raising concerns that some of the meat being consumed in the area could have been sourced from donkeys.
The compound, measuring approximately 50 by 70 feet, was found to have 30 live donkeys of different ages being kept inside a two-storey building. The animals were reportedly in poor condition and appeared to have been deprived of food, raising suspicions that they were being prepared for slaughter. The donkeys were rescued and moved to a nearby private farm, where they will be fed and kept safely as authorities make further arrangements.
Police recovered various items from the premises, including blood-stained knives and clothing, sacks containing donkey slaughter waste, polythene bags used to dispose of waste and carcasses, as well as waterproof paper bags suspected to have been intended for packaging donkey meat. A jerrycan containing sulphuric acid was also recovered, with investigators suspecting it may have been used to suppress the smell of meat and slaughter waste.
According to a neighbour, activities at the compound were usually heard at night, approximately once a week. However, no suspect was found at the premises. Crime scene investigation officers from Juja processed and documented the scene as investigations continue to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal slaughter and meat trade.
The raid was a result of actionable intelligence received by the multi-agency team. The Kenyan police, in collaboration with other agencies, have been working to crack down on illegal activities in the area. The rescue of the 30 donkeys has been hailed as a success, and efforts are being made to ensure their safe rehabilitation.
The donkey meat trade has been a concern in Kenya, with reports of donkey carcasses being sold as beef or goat meat. The Kenyan government has been working to regulate the trade and prevent such activities. The police have urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to animal slaughter and meat trade.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing for information from the public to help identify and apprehend those responsible for the illegal donkey slaughterhouse. The case has sparked widespread concern, and animal welfare organizations have been urged to provide support for the rescued donkeys.
Key points
- 30 live donkeys were rescued from an illegal slaughterhouse in Juja, Kenya.
- The slaughterhouse was raided following reports of donkey carcasses being dumped in the area.
- The police recovered various items, including blood-stained knives and sulphuric acid, from the premises.
