Sotik man arrested for slaughtering and attempting to sell dog meat
Police identified the suspect as 38-year-old Richard Kigen.
Residents of Sotik in Bomet County were stunned on Friday when a man was arrested for allegedly butchering a dog and attempting to sell its meat to unsuspecting locals.
Police identified the suspect as 38-year-old Richard Kigen, who was apprehended after a local assistant chief received a tip-off from concerned residents.
Authorities said the chief alerted officers at the Sotik Police Station after locals in the Chemagel and Kimase areas raised suspicions about questionable meat being circulated in the area.
Following the report, police launched a swift operation that led to Kigen’s arrest and the seizure of around 15 kilograms of red meat—suspected to be dog meat—packed in plastic sacks and ready for sale.
During questioning, Kigen allegedly confessed, admitting he had intended to distribute the meat to unsuspecting customers without revealing its true origin.
The County Veterinary Department has since been engaged in the matter and collected samples of the meat for further testing.
The suspect is being held in custody and is expected to face charges under the Meat Control Act, CAP 356, for slaughtering an unapproved animal and for animal cruelty.
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert and only purchase meat from verified and licensed vendors as investigations into the matter continue.
