Hundreds of sick sheep die in Kajiado, residents demand action

A section of Koromboi residents in Kajiado county are up in arms with a foreign business man who has kept thousands of condemned sheep in their residential area, coursing a health hazard.

According to the Chairman of the Koromboi Residence Association, David Omatto, the residents are appealing to relevant authorities to intervene and order the animals out of the area before they spread diseases to humans.

''The sick sheep pose a serious risk of infections to both humans and animals. We have been trying to plead with this particular businessman to move away with the animals and keep them in a farm, but he always ignore our plea, we are worried that animal diseases might strike in our area, if nothing is done immediately,'' said Omatto.

They cited animal cruelty as over 4,000 sheep are confined in a 50x100 plot without access to adequate food or water.

''The over 4,000 sheep are destroying fences and other property as they roam in search of pasture. We are wondering who authorized the settlement of these sick animals in a residential estate. This is a blatant disregard for public health and safety,'' said Musa Muriungi, a resident.

The residents also argued their security concerns, saying the carcasses were attracting wild animals as dead sheep were being carelessly dumped within the estate.

''The carcasses are attracting hyenas, which have been seen marauding as early as 7 PM,'' said Njeri Muriithi, association Charlady.

The chairman accused the business of ignoring a letter from the Ministry of Livestock that ordered the said animals to be quarantined.

The letter seen by the standard indicated that the condemned animals were to be detained at a farm in Kajiado East.

The letter, signed by a Veterinary officer, Dr Topirian Kerempe, also warned that all the condemned animals should not be herded within any public road and that the carcasses of all dead the animals be buried at a depth of not less than four feet below the surface of the ground.

However, Felix Ikutwa, the manager in-charge of the animals said the there were plans to move the animals to a nearby farm.

''We have identified a farm, and we should be on our way moving from this place'' said Ikutwa.