This archive report was first published on 17 November 2021.
September 22, 2017, marked a day when Brian Murithi, a 24-year-old from Imenti North, amused many with his Jubilee-branded donkey at the Meru stage. This was not an isolated incident, as the use of live animals in political gatherings has been gaining traction in Kenya.
From goats painted in party colours to donkeys and dogs dressed in miniature party flags, Kenyans have been using animals to express their support for or dissatisfaction with a particular subject. While Deputy President William Ruto's supporters presented him with a goat painted in yellow, green, and black, with his name and 'United Democratic Alliance' scribbled on it, animal rights activists led by the Union of Veterinary Practitioners of Kenya (UVPK) have come out to condemn the practice.
“The union has noted with concern the rise in cases of cruelty to animals for political reasons. Physical body application of either acrylic or latex paints constitutes cruelty, which is punishable by law,” said UVPK secretary-general Miheso Mulembani.
During a One Kenya Alliance (OKA) rally in Kakamega, Kanu supporters turned up with decorated cockerels, a symbol of the party. The use of animals and birds this political season gained popularity in the run-up to the 2017 General Election.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's supporter, Brian Murithi, became an internet sensation as he traversed the sub-county campaigning for Uhuru ahead of the repeat presidential election. “I am supporting President Uhuru for his manifesto. My appeal is for the people to support me by providing fodder for the donkey as I move around,” said Mr Murithi.
Such activities have drawn the ire of the UVPK, with the union saying that the actions result in undue suffering of the animals. “The animals are often mishandled, deprived of food and water, causing them unnecessary suffering and infuriation. Persons acting in breach of animal welfare and freedoms should be prosecuted,” the union said.
