Following a rise in the number of poaching incidents in the nation, residents of Laikipia County have been advised not to purchase uninspected meat to stop the spread of zoonotic illnesses.

Four alleged poachers selling zebra and antelope meat to multiple butcher shops in Laikipia North have reportedly been apprehended and are awaiting arraignment, according to Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri.

The commissioner also urged locals to work with security personnel to track down individuals responsible for selling game meat to unwary vendors.


“Tumeona ongezeko la visa hivi haswaa eneo la Kona mbaya kule Laikipia Central, area za Makutano, na hizi nyama zikiwindwa zinauzwa huko Makuyu kwa butchery zetu lakini kwa hao wawindaji wa punda milia wanakuja mbio wanaiingiza kwa pikipiki, wakishaidunga mkuki au kuikata kwa mgongo haraka haraka wanatoa visu na kutia zile nyama na ngozi kwa gunia wanaenda wanazichinja mafichoni na kuziingiza kwenye butchery,” Kanyiri said.

“Kuna uwezekano wa maradhi fulani kwa kimombo zoonotic kusambaa kutoka kwa wanyama hawa pori mpaka kwa binadamu.”