Bomet County Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Serem Wilson, has exposed a dangerous syndicate involving the illegal trade of sick and dying cattle.
This revelation follows the recent confiscation of 11 ailing animals being transported through Bomet County to neighboring regions.
In a press briefing, Dr Serem detailed the operation of the syndicate, which allegedly spans across Bomet and Narok counties.
The group has been accused of buying, slaughtering, and selling contaminated meat to unsuspecting customers, particularly in urban areas.
This illicit trade poses a significant risk to public health.
"The unscrupulous businessmen operate in Bomet and Narok counties and sell the contaminated meat to unsuspecting clients, especially in urban centres, compromising consumer health,” Dr Serem said.
“We have recently confiscated 11 sickly animals transiting through our county to neighboring counties.”
The sick cattle were being transported from Mamboleo market in Trans Mara, Narok County when public health Officers intercepted them and three people were arrested in connection.
“We are confirming that there are destined markets outside Bomet and we believe the actual slaughtering of these animals might be taking place in our neighboring county," Dr Serem said.
The discovery of this syndicate has raised serious concerns about food safety and the enforcement of animal health regulations in the South Rift region.
Lastly, preliminary investigations from the Authorities pointed out that the sick animals were destined for slaughter illegally at the Mulot Sunset in Narok County.
