Women and youths from Nguutani, Kithyoko, and Kavaini areas in Kitui County staged demonstrations to protest a recent court ruling.
The protests followed the arrest of a trailer in the Musingi area by a multi-agency team.
The trailer was transporting donkey hides valued at KSh 21 million.
The two suspects were arraigned before Principal Magistrate Njoki Kahara at the Mwingi Law Courts on Tuesday May 13, 2026.
The truck driver pleaded guilty to two charges and was fined KSh 10,000 for each count or, alternatively, serve two years in prison.
The second suspect, who claimed he had only been offered a lift, was released.
The court also ordered the release of the lorry, which had been detained at Nguutani Police Station.
Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, saying it could encourage the continuation of the illegal donkey hide trade.
