Today’s Court Update
September 7th, 2023 (Hearing): Hon Olivia Koranje was today presiding as Hon. Nelly Chepchirchir is on transfer. The hearing did not take place. Case adjourned to November 16th for hearing.
SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL:
- On February 14th, 2023, KWS arrested two men with 32 kg of ivory in the Kilibasi area, of Kwale County, on the south eastern side of Tsavo West National Park.
- Joseph Wambua Mutua and Wambua Mutavi Nduti were arraigned in Mariakani court the following day for dealing and being in possession of the tusks.
- This is the 6th reported ivory related arrest and seizure in 2023, with KWS and police having seized 184.5 kg to date.
Court Updates
Hon. Nelly C. Adalo – Senior Resident Magistrate Court 1
June 12th, 2023 (Hearing): This hearing did take place, notes to be added. Next hearing date set for September 7th.
March 24th, 2023 (Hearing): This hearing did not take place but a mention was done virtually with the accused while in prison over their bond issues (both still on remand). Hearing date set for June 12th.
March 8th, 2023 (Pre-trial mention): No prosecutor this morning, now in the court of SRM Nelly Adalo. Hearing date has been set for March 24th, 2023.
March 1st, 2023 (Pre-trial mention): Scheduled for mention, this file is being moved to court 1 that was not sitting today. It has been adjourned to that court for March 8th.
February 15th, 2023 (Arraignment): Both accused were charged with Dealing and Possession of wildlife trophies. They have been released on providing a KES 500,000 bond. This was heard in the court of Hon. Olivia Koranje – Resident Magistrate Court 2.
Two men charged with dealing in wildlife trophies
The wildlife trophies were said to be worth Sh3.2 million.
A Mariakani court has charged two men for dealing in wildlife trophy of an endangered species.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said the wildlife trophies were said to be worth Sh3.2 million.
The two were charged on Wednesday for being in possession of the wildlife trophies without a permit contrary to Section 92(2) and 92 (4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act.
Joseph Wambua Mutua and Wambua Mutavi Nduti were allegedly found dealing in eight pieces of elephant tusk weighing 32 Kg.
“The elephant tusks were concealed in a white and green nylon sacked carried on a motorcycle being trophies of species that is endangered without a permit or other lawful exemption,” the ODPP said.
The ODPP said the offences were allegedly committed on February 14, 2023, at Kilibasi area Samburu subcounty within Kwale.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty before resident magistrate Olivia Koranje.
Koranje granted the suspects a Sh500,000 bond each with one personal surety.
