Police officers in Kikuyu Sub-County working jointly with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Wednesday seized over one tonne of suspected zebra meat in a major crackdown on illegal bushmeat trade in Gikambura.
The multi-agency raid led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a skinned carcass, processed meat, equipment used in the trade, and a vehicle believed to have facilitated transportation.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers acting on intelligence raided a residential premises in the area and recovered “over one tonne of zebra meat, including a skinned carcass and assorted processed portions stored on site.”
Several tools and equipment suspected of being used in the illegal trade were also seized, and the exhibits were secured as investigations continue.
In a separate statement, KWS said the operation was intelligence-led and formed part of a broader enforcement effort targeting suspected bushmeat activities in Gikambura, Kiambu County, with follow-up action at Dagoretti Market in Nairobi County.
Officers recovered six sacks of suspected de-boned zebra meat, one fully skinned zebra carcass, and fifteen frozen meat packages weighing about 250 grams each.
The total consignment was estimated at approximately 2,000 kilograms, plus 7.5 kilograms of packaged frozen meat.
The wildlife agency warned that, beyond being a serious wildlife crime, bushmeat trade poses grave public health risks.
“Bushmeat handled outside regulated veterinary systems exposes handlers and consumers to zoonotic diseases through unsafe slaughter, handling, storage, and preparation,” KWS stated. “Unlike licensed meat, it lacks inspection, hygiene standards, and proper cold-chain management.”
Kenyan law prohibits the killing, possession, transportation or trade in wildlife without lawful authority under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act. The sale or distribution of uninspected meat intended for human consumption is also banned under the Public Health Act.
The National Police Service reiterated its commitment to combating wildlife crimes and urged members of the public to report illegal bushmeat activities through official reporting channels.
