Donkey meat is safe for consumption if it is inspected.
A public health officer at Kiambu District Hospital, Mr John Munyui, told KNA that donkey meat is the same as that of a cow, goat or sheep as they all are herbivorous. He added that there were several myths surrounding the animal but it is very safe for consumption.
Mr Munyui cautioned that although donkey meat does not cause any harm, all meat products should under the law undergo inspection before being offered to the public for consumption. He said that the practice is still not acceptable in Kiambu County.
He said they shut down butcheries and slaughter houses that distributed donkey meat because the meat was not inspected. He added that some butchers had slaughtered donkeys and were passing it off as meat from either cow or goat. He said that it was sad when a customer went to a hotel and ordered beef only to be served with donkey meat which he ate unknowingly.
The County Government of Nakuru has legalized the sale of donkey meat. A multi-million donkey slaughterhouse is under construction in Maraigushu village in Naivasha.
He told butchers in Kiambu to label their meat appropriately to give customers a choice.
