Residents of Tola Estate in Juja, Kiambu County, have raised the alarm over the dumping of donkey and pig carcasses in a residential area, warning that the decomposing remains could expose them to serious health risks.
Angry residents on Monday blocked the Ndarugu-Mang’u road using the rotting carcasses, protesting what they described as official inaction despite repeated reports to public health and county authorities.
The residents said the stench from the decomposing animals has become unbearable, while the carcasses have attracted scavengers, including hyenas, stray dogs and crows.
They fear the situation could trigger an outbreak of disease, particularly if authorities fail to remove the remains before the onset of heavy rains.
Stanley Mwangi, a resident, said locals were baffled by the dumping of the carcasses in an area that is designated for homes and not waste disposal.
“We are shocked that this is happening in a residential area. This is not a dumpsite, yet carcasses are being brought here and left to rot,” Mr Mwangi said.
He said residents were also concerned about the origin of the donkeys, with some suspecting that the animals could have been stolen from Mwea in Kirinyaga County, an area that has previously reported cases of donkey theft.
The allegations, however, could not immediately be independently verified.
Lilian Wanjiru said children were particularly vulnerable because scavenging animals were spreading pieces of the decomposing carcasses around the neighbourhood.
She warned that the situation could become more dangerous during the rainy season, with decomposed animal waste likely to be washed into nearby homes and a river.
“The remains are being scattered everywhere by the animals. We are worried about our children and the health of the entire community,” Ms Wanjiru said.
Simon Chege said the dumping had persisted for more than two months despite residents reporting the matter to the relevant authorities several times.
He accused the local administration and public health officials of failing to act, saying residents had been left to cope with the stench and potential health hazards on their own.
The residents want the county government and public health officials to urgently remove the carcasses, disinfect the affected area and investigate who is responsible for transporting and dumping the animal remains.
They also want authorities to establish the source of the donkeys and determine whether the dumping is connected to the reported theft of animals elsewhere.
The residents said continued inaction could expose the wider community to environmental pollution and possible disease, particularly if contaminated material finds its way into water sources.
They are now calling for an immediate investigation and enforcement action against those responsible for the illegal disposal of the carcasses.
