Ilbisil farmers, Kajiado Central sub-county residents have expressed their worries over a resumption of donkey stealing, warning that such a practice is endangering the welfare of both people and animals in their locality.
The abused herders, speaking at the time of a donkey vaccination, stated that theft cases have skyrocketed in recent weeks and that there is a very strong suspicion that the stolen animals are being taken across the border to Tanzania.
They pointed out that donkeys are a huge source of both income and labour, especially in water, firewood, and farm produce transportation.
Dr. John and his veterinary team who were at the vaccination camp also expressed the same sentiments with the farmers and said that the trend is very frightening.
They requested that the security folks should quickly act to break up the gangs that are involved in the theft and also increase the patrols particularly in the areas where the smugglers use the routes.
“The damage herders are experiencing is huge, and if this is not taken care of immediately, it will, in turn, erode the means of survival of the people living around here even more,” expressed one of the veterinary doctors while urging for a joint effort by police, border officers, and locals.
Local community members are pleading to the authorities to step up security operations along the border, paying particular attention to surveillance and enforce stricter punishments to those involved in the criminal acts if they are to be assured that their animals are safe and that this growing evil will come to an end.