Police in Kajiado are hot on the heels of a notorious bushmeat syndicate that decimated a herd in Ereteti, leaving behind a trail of carcasses and unanswered questions. A gloom hangs over Kajiado West after residents discovered the remains of 34 donkeys, brutally slaughtered under the cover of darkness.

The grisly discovery was made at dawn. Villagers in Kichakani stumbled upon the bloody scene—skinned carcasses strewn across the scrubland, with the meat already carted away. It is a blow that hits hard in a community where donkeys are not just animals, but vital engines of the local economy, used for transport and carrying water.

The Nairobi Connection

Investigators believe the meat was destined for Nairobi's Burma Market and other unsuspecting butcheries, disguised as beef. "The suspects had already packed the meat into sacks," a local chief reported. When residents raised the alarm, the gang of about 20 men fled into the bush, abandoning two vehicles and a motorcycle which have since been impounded.

• The Scale: 34 donkeys killed in a single night represents a massive economic loss for the owners.
• Health Risk: The uninspected meat poses a severe health risk to consumers in the city.
• The Suspects: A manhunt is underway for the 20 individuals who escaped, with police vowing to dismantle the syndicate.

A Recurring Nightmare

Donkey theft has become an epidemic in Kajiado, driven by the black market demand for meat and skins. For the owners, the loss is devastating. "These animals feed our families," one resident cried. As the police dust for prints on the abandoned trucks, the community is demanding justice and tighter controls on meat supply chains.

The carnage at Ereteti is a stark reminder of the greed that fuels the illegal bushmeat trade. Until the market for donkey meat is shut down, the beasts of burden will continue to carry the heaviest price of all.