3,000 sheep on one acre, planned slaughter for export and panic over 50 deaths

Panic has gripped Korompoi Estates residents, Isinya sub-County, following the ongoing mass deaths of sheep placed in quarantine by the regional veterinary department and the haphazard disposal of the carcasses.

In a fortnight, at least 3,000 sheep have been held on less than an acre of land by a foreign investor said to have leased the land for two months.

The estate is a controlled zone where animal keeping is restricted. The animals are said to be dying in large numbers every day.

Foul smell

However, dejected residents claim that, for the past two weeks, the entire neighbourhood has been enveloped by a foul smell from carcasses that are said to be haphazardly disposed of.

"Every morning, dead animals are heaped at the corner of the piece of land by herders. The carcasses are rarely well disposed of. We are used to a foul smell enveloping our neighbourhood," said Ms Njeri Muriithi, Korompoi Residents Association (Korea) Chairperson.

 "We fear for the spread of zoonotic diseases. A pack of hyenas is roaming in our neighbourhood at night," she added.

In a seven-day quarantine notice seen by Nation.Africa and issued on April 2, 2025, by Kajiado East sub-County vet Dr Topirian Kerempe, the animals were placed under quarantine and movement restricted until further notice to avert the spread of diseases.

The owner of the animals was also ordered to either bury the carcasses in a four-foot-deep pit or burn them.

"No other animal shall be moved from any such area unless previously disinfected in the manner directed by the Veterinary Officer or inspector in charge of the area. The carcasses of all animals dying from disease shall forthwith be either buried at a depth of not less than four feet below the surface of the ground or burnt at the expense of the owners," read part of the quarantine notice.

Emaciated animals

A Nation.Africa spot check on Tuesday indicated that the remaining frail and emaciated animals were grazing freely in the neighbourhood.

About 50 carcasses of sheep that had died on Monday night were yet to be collected from the holding sheds, guarded by a group of hostile herders.

Neighbours expressed fear that the meat from the dead animals could have been sneaked into Kitengela town butcheries, endangering the lives of unsuspecting buyers. They claim strange vehicles have been spotted in the dead of night near the animal holding sheds.

"We suspect some dead animals are being sold to unscrupulous butchers in Kitengela town and its environs. The land is an open field, but we do not see them burying or burning the carcasses," said Mr David Omato, a resident, bitterly.

They further claimed that the presence of strange herders armed with crude weapons could compromise their security. They want the relevant authorities to act promptly.

"We have had several incidents where members of our neighbourhood have been threatened with being shot dead or beheaded by the hostile herders while trying to make inquiries," said Mr Moses Muriuki, a resident who accused police officers and public health officials of being compromised after visiting the area.

Area public health officer Ms Faith Toshi declined to comment but acknowledged that her department was aware of the incident.

Kajiado Director of Veterinary Services Ms Nazalia Nyagah said samples from some of the dead animals had been submitted to the Kabete Research Centre to determine the disease(s) that could have killed them.

"The sample results will be out by Wednesday to ascertain the cause of death. We are on high alert to avert the spread of any contagious disease. The owner is yet to submit animal movement certification. It’s a matter of animal welfare, public health, and environment," said Dr Nyagah.

However, the herd manager, Mr Felix Itukwa, said the animals, sourced from North Eastern, were rejected due to poor health after the owner attempted to have them slaughtered at one of the companies in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) that deals with meat export.

He said the animals have been dying in large numbers due to ongoing rains and ill health. He was evasive when asked how they dispose of the carcasses.

"The animals were to be slaughtered at EPZ KenMeat for meat export, but my boss was advised to find a place to fatten and treat them. They were emaciated. We leased this piece of land for two months, but it has been a nightmare with various government officers demanding bribes."

He added: “Out of ill health and rains, we have lost hundreds of animals. We are looking for alternative land."