Why this Kenyan community is dressing all its donkeys

Residents of Mumui, Lairang’i and Rei in Meru County, Kenya, have resorted to dressing their donkeys in trousers to ward off mysterious flies whose bites cause open wounds, with the animals eventually dying.

Locals are afraid that the flies which invaded the area two weeks ago will spread to their cows and goats, a main source of livelihood in the area.

Mumui chief Silas Kinyua told Nation that about 10 donkeys have died as a result of bites from the mysterious flies.

He said the pests, which are new in the area, have a narrow appearance with a sharp mouth. Its bites leave animals with an itch.

“When they started becoming a nuisance to the animals, we thought they were normal flies we are used to after rains. But after the animal is bitten by the fly, it starts developing wounds on the legs. The donkey grows weak and dies. Its bites are lethal,” Mr Kinyua, whose donkey is also affected, said.

He said the local veterinary officer advised farmers to use a pesticide known as Ectopol and suggested injections if the treatment failed.

“People have been trying all remedies without success, forcing them to dress the donkeys in trousers to prevent the bites. We are afraid that the cows may also be overwhelmed,” the chief said.