Embu, Kenya – Health officials in Embu County are warning residents to avoid unregulated street meat after locals intercepted traders transporting a dog carcass and butchering tools, fuelling fears that dog meat has been entering the human food chain. The incident occurred on 18 August when irate residents confronted two men carrying a skinned dog and knives along a busy road. They accused the suspects of supplying the meat to roadside vendors who make mutura, a popular blood sausage.

County health executive Jamal Runyenjes confirmed that public health officers quickly responded to the scene, seized the carcass and disposed of it safely. He said authorities have launched a hunt for the suspects, who fled after residents raised the alarm. Runyenjes warned that consuming dog meat can lead to serious diseases, including rabies and tapeworm infections, and urged the public to buy meat only from licensed butcheries. “We will not allow unscrupulous traders to jeopardise public health,” he said.

Residents told journalists that they suspect dog meat has been used to prepare sausages sold at night and in informal settlements, citing recent cases of people falling ill after eating street food. Many expressed shock and anger, calling for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. County officials have vowed to inspect eateries and crack down on illegal slaughterhouses.

The scare has revived calls for the national government to strengthen laws against animal cruelty and ensure adequate funding for public health surveillance. While Kenya’s Meat Control Act forbids the sale of meat from unapproved species, enforcement is lax in many areas. Public health campaigns have emphasised the importance of vaccination, proper disposal of animal remains and community vigilance.

As investigations continue, Embu residents are being encouraged to report any suspicious activities involving pets and to support efforts to promote humane treatment of animals. Officials say the incident should serve as a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility.