Police in Mavoko, Machakos County, have recovered 20 stolen donkeys in a major breakthrough against livestock theft, a crime that continues to affect rural livelihoods in parts of Kenya.
The operation, carried out by officers attached to the Mavoko Sub-County Police Station on Monday, was based on intelligence that led authorities to intercept the herd.
All twenty recovered donkeys were escorted to the station, where they are being held pending identification and formal handover to their rightful owner.
The National Police Service (NPS) has reiterated its commitment to fighting livestock theft, which has been on the rise in some regions.
"We assure the public of our continued vigilance and swift action against offenders to safeguard livelihoods and community security," NPS said.
This comes as concern is raised over the slaughter of donkeys for meat and hides.
Kenya’s donkey population is plummeting at an alarming rate, with recent statistics indicating a decline of over 50 per cent in the last decade.
According to a report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the number of donkeys in Kenya dropped from 1.8 million in 2009 to approximately one million in 2019.
More recent data shows that as of 2024, the donkey population has further declined to less than 500,000, marking a significant loss.
