MWEA, Kenya – Mwea, Kirinyaga County, is grappling with a surge in donkey thefts that has left local farmers counting losses and sparked chaotic scenes in Ngurubani town.
Over the past three days, at least 10 donkeys have been reported stolen, with their mutilated carcasses discovered dumped in Thiba and Ngurubani areas.
The latest incident, reported yesterday, led to a dramatic standoff at Tebere Police Post when enraged residents stormed the premises, demanding access to a suspect allegedly linked to the theft and slaughter of four donkeys.
The unrest disrupted activities in Ngurubani, with police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds who were hurling stones at the police station and the suspect.
The confrontation caused confusion along the busy Mwea-Embu highway, exacerbated by the day’s market activities.
“We wanted to interrogate the suspect to find out where they sell the stolen donkey meat, but the police intervened and took him away to Wanguru Police Station. We want answers!” said Stephen Wachira, chairman of the Donkey Owners Association in Ngurubani.
Wachira accused the suspect of being part of a criminal syndicate responsible for the thefts.
He highlighted the plight of John Mutugi, a local farmer, who suffered losses exceeding Ksh 80,000 after four of his donkeys were slaughtered.
The thefts have disrupted livelihoods in Mwea, where donkeys are essential for transporting rice from farms to stores and fetching water for households.
Earlier in the week, four donkey carcasses were discovered in Thiba North Village, dumped near Thiba Catholic Church. Suspects in that case fled before they could be apprehended.
Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso confirmed that the suspect in custody was transferred to Wanguru Police Station for safety.
He urged residents to refrain from mob justice, assuring them that the suspect was being interrogated to uncover the wider network behind the thefts.
“We managed to secure the suspect, and no one was injured during the commotion. We urge residents to report any information to the authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands,” said Jarso.
Over the past three days, at least 10 donkeys have been reported stolen, with their mutilated carcasses discovered dumped in Thiba and Ngurubani areas.
The latest incident, reported yesterday, led to a dramatic standoff at Tebere Police Post when enraged residents stormed the premises, demanding access to a suspect allegedly linked to the theft and slaughter of four donkeys.
The unrest disrupted activities in Ngurubani, with police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds who were hurling stones at the police station and the suspect.
The confrontation caused confusion along the busy Mwea-Embu highway, exacerbated by the day’s market activities.
“We wanted to interrogate the suspect to find out where they sell the stolen donkey meat, but the police intervened and took him away to Wanguru Police Station. We want answers!” said Stephen Wachira, chairman of the Donkey Owners Association in Ngurubani.
Wachira accused the suspect of being part of a criminal syndicate responsible for the thefts.
He highlighted the plight of John Mutugi, a local farmer, who suffered losses exceeding Ksh 80,000 after four of his donkeys were slaughtered.
The thefts have disrupted livelihoods in Mwea, where donkeys are essential for transporting rice from farms to stores and fetching water for households.
Earlier in the week, four donkey carcasses were discovered in Thiba North Village, dumped near Thiba Catholic Church. Suspects in that case fled before they could be apprehended.
Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso confirmed that the suspect in custody was transferred to Wanguru Police Station for safety.
He urged residents to refrain from mob justice, assuring them that the suspect was being interrogated to uncover the wider network behind the thefts.
“We managed to secure the suspect, and no one was injured during the commotion. We urge residents to report any information to the authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands,” said Jarso.
