Administrators unearth meat abattoirs, market syndicate
By Reuben Mwambingu, July 21, 2025A livestock theft syndicate has been unearthed in Mombasa, with stolen cattle reportedly slaughtered in makeshift abattoirs before the uninspected meat finds its way into local markets, sparking fears of disease outbreaks.
At the weekend, detectives arrested seven suspects in Bombo area, Utange, within Kisauni Sub-County, where they were found processing meat from three freshly slaughtered cows.
The animals, believed to have been stolen, were being butchered in an unauthorised bush abattoir when security officers raided the scene and cornered the suspects.
The crackdown follows a string of livestock theft incidents that have rocked the area in recent weeks, triggering public outrage and growing concern over rising insecurity.
“My goats were also stolen recently. These cases are becoming too common. We can hardly go two days without a report of stolen animals. Authorities must act decisively because this habit is being normalised,” lamented Mariam Ismail Swaleh, a resident of Barawa and Bombo.
Mounting complaints
Kisauni Deputy County Commissioner Jamleck Mbuba said the suspects were tracked down after mounting complaints from residents.
“They’ve managed to evade arrest for a while, but today their 40 days ran out,” Mbuba said at the scene.
He called on residents to work closely with security agencies to help break the syndicate and warned against buying meat from unauthorised sources.
“These animals were stolen and slaughtered in an illegal, unhygienic location. We are here with veterinary and public health officers who confirm that no inspection or authorisation was conducted. This meat poses serious health risks,” he said.
Makeshift slaughter
Dr Junis Mwita from the County Department of Veterinary Services described the makeshift slaughter site as filthy and unsuitable for food handling, warning that the seized meat was unsafe for consumption.
“We do not have a licensed slaughterhouse in this area, so any meat coming from such places is illegal. Any legitimate butchery must have a public health license, and all meat should bear the inspection stamp. Transportation must be accompanied by a certificate for verification. We advise all consumers to demand to see these documents,” Dr Mwita said, stressing that butcheries operating without a food hygiene license risk closure.
The seven suspects are currently in custody facing charges related to livestock theft and illegal slaughter, as detectives expand investigations into possible links with wider criminal networks and public health violations.
Authorities reiterated that all meat sold in Mombasa must originate from certified slaughterhouses and meet strict inspection standards.
Patrols will be intensified in livestock theft hotspots, and curfews on the transportation of animals will be enforced to disrupt illicit trade routes.