Four individuals found themselves facing serious charges on Tuesday as they were arraigned in a Kirinyaga court for their alleged involvement in the possession and slaughter of donkeys.
Michael Nyoro, Festus Ndung’u Kamande, Peter Ndirangu, and John Muturi appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Stephen Nyaga at the Baricho Law Courts to answer to the accusations leveled against them.
The charges against the quartet stem from an incident that occurred on May 18, 2024, at approximately 10 am in the Makutano area within Kirinyaga County.
They were accused of jointly possessing donkey carcasses deemed to be in an unwholesome state and unfit for use, a violation of the Public Health Act.
Additionally, they faced charges of possessing uninspected meat unfit for human consumption, as outlined in sections 8 and 14 of the Meat Control-Local Slaughterhouse Act.
Moreover, they were accused of engaging in cruel slaughter practices, contravening section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Pleading not guilty to all counts, the four individuals were granted bail set at Ksh.1 million each, with a surety of a similar amount.
Despite their plea, the seriousness of the charges necessitated stringent bail conditions.
The case is scheduled for mention on June 6, 2024, where further proceedings will take place.
The allegations against Nyoro, Kamande, Ndirangu, and Muturi highlight the importance of upholding animal welfare standards and adhering to regulations governing the meat industry.
The unlawful slaughter and handling of animals not only pose risks to public health but also reflect a disregard for ethical treatment of animals.
The authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain the full extent of the accused individuals’ involvement and to ensure that justice is served.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with offenses related to animal cruelty and public health violations.
It underscores the need for strict enforcement of regulations to safeguard both human and animal welfare.
As the legal process unfolds, the public awaits the outcome of the proceedings, hopeful that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
