DG Kinoti Brooke
By John Kariuki

Kenyans are being urged to remain vigilant about the type of meat they consume, as cases of donkey theft and illegal slaughter continue to escalate across the country. Dr. Raphael Kinoti, the Regional Director for Brooke East Africa, has raised concerns about the increasing likelihood of donkey meat entering the food market undetected, posing risks to both public health and animal welfare.
Speaking on behalf of Brooke East Africa, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of equines, Dr. Kinoti emphasized the need for immediate action. He called on individuals buying large quantities of meat for parties and feasts to ensure that all meat is verified with an official inspection stamp to confirm its authenticity and safety for consumption.
Donkey owners, too, were urged to take greater responsibility for their animals’ security. Dr. Kinoti advised against leaving donkeys to roam or scavenge unsupervised, as this makes them easy targets for thieves. Ensuring that these animals are kept in secure environments can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
Law enforcement agencies have also been called to action. Dr. Kinoti highlighted the need for police officers to intensify inspections on the roads, paying close attention to the type of meat being transported. Strengthened checks could play a critical role in preventing the illegal trade of donkey meat.
Public health officers were urged to conduct random inspections of butcheries and abattoirs to ensure that unregulated donkey meat does not find its way to unsuspecting consumers. Such impromptu checks, Dr. Kinoti explained, are essential in upholding food safety standards and protecting the public.
“As an organization championing the welfare of equines, we believe these steps are vital in curbing donkey theft and ensuring that the meat consumed by Kenyans is safe and properly regulated,” Dr. Kinoti stated.
This appeal by Brooke East Africa serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility required to tackle this issue. Protecting donkey populations and ensuring food safety will depend on the combined efforts of the public, law enforcement, and health officials.