Eight arrested while selling uninspected meat in Igembe
Some of the eight people who were arrested selling uninspected meat to members of public in Athiru Gaiti, Igembe South, Meru County on Thursday December 18, 2014. They were taken to Maua Police Station as they awaited to be charged in court. PHOTO | DICKSON MWITI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The eight people claimed that the meat belonged to a Mr David Gikunda who had hired them to sell it on his behalf.
- Public health officer Charles Njoka warned members of public against eating uninspected meat and that which they didn’t know its source.
- Mr Njoka said that some people were even slaughtering animals injected with antibiotics which could cause severe diarrhoea.
- He said that inspected meat always has a stamp and a unique number from a qualified veterinary officer.
Eight people from Athiru Gaiti Division of Igembe South Sub-County were Thursday arrested after they were found selling uninspected meat to unsuspecting members of the public.
According to Igembe South District public health officer Mr Charles Njoka, community health workers in the area in conjunction with assistant chiefs contacted the nearby police post after they got information that there was some uninspected meat which was being sold in the area.
The eight people claimed that the meat belonged to a Mr David Gikunda who had hired them to sell it on his behalf.
They were later taken to Maua Police Station where they were being held.
Mr Njoka warned members of public against eating uninspected meat and that which they didn’t know its source.
DANGEROUS TO PEOPLE'S HEALTH
He said such meat was dangerous to people’s health especially considering that Igembe is one of the areas where cases of anthrax are rampant.
He said that members of public should be careful especially during the December festive season since many people freely slaughter their animals and sell them to people without contacting veterinary officers who are supposed to inspect them.
“I want to urge members of public to be very careful while buying meat. They should avoid buying meat that is not inspected and whose source they don’t know,” he said.
He said that some people were even slaughtering animals injected with antibiotics which could cause severe diarrhoea.
“Sometimes an animal may fall sick and it is treared by a veterinary officer. Once the owner realises that it might die and lead to loss, he goes on and slaughters it and sells the meat to people. Such meat is very dangerous and should be avoided,” he said.
He further said that some of the animals may be having contagious diseases which could affect an entire village.
He said that inspected meat always has a stamp and a unique number from a qualified veterinary officer.
He added that the eight people who were arrested would be taken to court and be charged appropriately.
