Authorities probe butchers selling uninspected meat to residents

Apr 17, 2023 - 22:02

Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri speaking to the media in Nanyuki on Monday, April 17,2023. He cautioned against selling of uninspected meat to the residents following a recent rise of sheep theft. (Photo by Muturi Mwangi/KNA)

Nanyuki, Monday, April 17, 2023

K.N.A By Muturi Mwangi

Authorities in Laikipia county have launched an investigation into butchers selling uninspected meat sellers following widespread theft of sheep and goats.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said butchers should follow public health guidelines when conducting their meat selling business to avoid people contracting diseases from uninspected meat.

“It is believed that those who steal livestock, slaughter and stock in their butcheries also do so without subjecting the meat to inspection. This must stop,” warned Kanyiri.

He noted that those found with unstamped meat in their butcheries, will be charged in a court of law.

“We will be inspecting slaughter houses and they must show meat that has been stamped from the meat inspectors. If not stamped, the seller will have a case to answer,” said Kanyiri.

The County boss said that over the weekend, irate residents from Matanya village, Laikipia central sub county set ablaze a Toyota Probox suspected to have been transporting stolen sheep from the area.

He noted that the occupants of the vehicle started throwing sheep from the windows as it sped from the angry villagers before they caught up with them. However, he cautioned residents against taking law into their own hands.

The County Commissioner said that 45 sheep belonging to Martha Gathinji from Marura sub-location were also stolen on the wee hours of Sunday morning and after the police search, eight lambs were recovered at Mountex along Nanyuki river.

This comes barely two weeks after a Nanyuki-based butchery owner was arrested after 43 suspected stolen sheep were found at his homestead at Ruai village on the outskirts of Nanyuki town.

Kanyiri said a racket involving theft of livestock and sale of uninspected meat within Nanyuki town has been going on for a while.

He further warned against transportation of livestock at night in Laikipia county.

Courtesy K.N.A