Police in Kiambu County have rescued 30 donkeys from a warehouse in Juja where they were being held for suspected illegal slaughter.

‎The animals were found in poor condition and without food, and were moved to a nearby private farm for safety while investigations continue.

‎On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, a joint team of police, county officials, and government officers raided a gated warehouse in Kalimoni Ward, Juja Sub-County.

‎They acted on reports that donkey carcasses had been dumped around Juja and that donkey meat might be reaching local consumers.

‎Inside the two-storey building, officers found 30 live donkeys of different ages, including two young ones.

‎The animals looked weak and hungry, suggesting they were being kept for slaughter that night. No suspects were present during the raid.

‎Police recovered items that pointed to an active slaughter operation.

‎These included blood-stained knives and clothing, sacks with donkey waste, polythene bags used to dump carcasses, and waterproof paper bags believed to be for packaging meat. ‎
‎A jerrycan of sulphuric acid was also found, possibly used to hide the smell of meat and waste.

‎Officers said the slaughtering likely took place at night, with the place closed during the day to avoid detection.

‎A neighbour told investigators that suspicious activity at the site happened about once a week.

‎The rescued donkeys were taken to a private farm where they will be fed and kept safely.

‎Crime scene officers documented the site as searches continue for the owners and others involved. 
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‎Authorities warned that anyone linked to the illegal slaughter and meat trade will face the law.
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‎The case has raised fresh concern over illegal donkey meat in Kiambu and Nairobi.
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‎Earlier this year, a High Court decision lifted a 2020 ban on donkey slaughterhouses, but unlicensed operations remain a problem.
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‎Officials say they are tracking the source of the animals and the market for the meat.
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‎Residents in Juja have been asked to report any suspicious movement of donkeys or strange smells from warehouses. 
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‎Police and county teams say they will keep monitoring the area to stop more illegal killings.