A research presented at the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) meeting in Meru on Thursday revealed that bulls that fight in Kakamega are fed with drugs.
According to findings of the study, the bulls are fed with bhang and other herbs that reduce their sexual libido and enable them to endure tremendous amounts of distress.
A master’s student in veterinary studies, Mercy Barasa, presented the findings bringing to light the harrowing conditions that the bulls are put through, despite the existence of laws that forbid animal mistreatment as stipulated in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act cap 360.
The national chair of KVA, Dr Victor Yamo, advised that the study should be taken seriously as the well-being of the animals was related to food security.
Bull fighting in Kakamega is a crucial sport in the Luhya culture that reinforces clan loyalty and communal pride. The bull fighting events are held several times in a year and attract political support making it difficult to enforce the laws related to animal cruelty.
Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale popularly referred to as the bullfighter is an avid supporter of the sport and commands a huge following among the county's youth who also love the culture.
