Residents mill around a scene where donkeys were found slaughtered and parts abandoned at an idle private land in Slota Estate within Athi River, Machakos County on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 (Photo/Maugo Owiti)
Athi River deputy county commissioner Geoffrey Omoding has told police officers to intensify night patrols to crack down criminals of all nature and ensure maximum protection of residents and their property.
Omoding said the Sub County Security committee will form a team to monitor movements in Athi River throughout the night.
“Police should up their patrols and mount stop checks for vehicles at night, residents should not walk at night unnecessarily,” said Omoding.
He addressed the Star at his office on Tuesday.
Omoding condemned what he termed ‘creeping’ habit of thieves stealing and slaughtering donkeys in Athi River town and its environs.
Residents of Slota Estate in Athi River, Machakos County on Tuesday woke up to a rude shock after they discovered a scene where donkeys had been slaughtered.
The passersby found five heads, intestines and legs of slaughtered donkeys at an idle private land few metres from a Slaughterhouse that belongs to the Machakos County Government.
They said the criminal act was creeping into Athi River stating that two similar incidents had been reported in the area two weeks ago.
“We are worried the meat could have been circulated in butcheries around, we fear eating donkey meat,” said Mercy Mumbe.
Mumbe said police should crack down on the culprits to prevent those owning donkeys from losing more to the criminals.
Omoding cautioned residents against eating uninspected meat.
He said those owning donkeys in Athi River should ensure their safety and care so as not to lose them to criminals.
“Donkeys owners should not leave them to loiter around unattended to at night, they are their only available assets,” said Omoding.
Omoding said owners can feed them on hay so that they do not lose them to criminals.
He said residents should report to police in time to help crack syndicate in the business.