Residents of Kiriita and Leshau Pondo wards in Nyandarua County are facing a troubling surge in livestock theft and unexplained deaths attributed to chemical poisoning.

The perpetrators, reportedly preying on widows and the elderly, have been slaughtering cows, goats, and chickens, leaving communities devastated.

Locals claim that the thieves use powerful chemicals to kill the animals, selectively taking certain parts and abandoning the tainted remains. The toxic substances have led to widespread livestock deaths, heightening concerns about environmental contamination and potential public health hazards.

Kiriita Ward MCA Milka Wanjiru Ndirangu expressed grave concerns, warning that the chemicals could contaminate water sources during rains.

“It’s a health hazard. Pests and insects avoid the carcasses, which speaks volumes about the severity of the toxins,” she remarked.

Residents and leaders are also alarmed by the potential sale of contaminated meat in local markets, endangering unsuspecting consumers.

Authorities have advised residents to purchase only inspected meat and have called on health officers to enforce stricter checks to ensure public safety.

This situation echoes similar incidents across Kenya, such as a syndicate in Bomet that was uncovered for selling meat from diseased cattle and an anthrax outbreak in Murang’a earlier this year, which left several villagers hospitalized.