Today’s Court Update
#9. June 20th, 2024 (Hearing): Today’s hearing did not take place with no witnesses available. The next hearing date was set for September 10th.
Case Overview
On January 28th, 2023 at around 2230 hrs, at Gakurine area, Imenti North, Meru County, Francis Muyambi M’imaana alias Mugambi jointly with others was found dealing in wildlife trophies namely two pieces of elephant tusks weighing 22 kg.
He was arraigned in court on January 30th, 2023.
Presiding Magistrate and Court Number: Hon. John M. Njoroge – Chief Magistrate Crt 2 | |
State Counsel: | Advocates for the Accused: |
Accused: Francis Muyambi M’Imaana alias Mugambi | |
Charges: 1.Dealing in wildlife trophy contrary to section 92 (2) WCMA 2.Being in possession of wildlife trophy contrary to section 92 (4) WMCA | |
Date of Arrest: 2023-01-28 | Date of Arraignment: 2023-01-30 |
Location of Arrest: Gakurine, Imenti North, Meru County | Contraband Seized: 22 kg – (2pieces) |
Proceedings
#8. April 30th, 2024 (Hearing): Today’s hearing took place with testimony from one KWS witness, E.F. The exhibits, two tusks weighing a total of 22 kg were both before the court.
The witness stated that on 27th January 2023 he received information from an informant about three people in Gakurine, Meru county, who were in possession of an unknown amount of tusks pieces and looking for a potential buyer. The witness physically went to the location and saw the said house at a distance with the assistance of the informant.
He then called two of his juniors, A.B. and C.D., to meet later in Meru town so as to plan on an operation. Next day they travelled to the location using an unmarked car at around 2100 hrs. The informant introduced Mwambia as a buyer, accused person told Mwambia that the price was 20 thousand shillings per kg and Mwambia said he can’t pay without seeing the commodity first. The accused person went into the house and came out with another two men helping to carry the large elephant tusks.
After Mwambia confirmed and the tusks were in the sacks he signaled his officers and managed to arrest the accused person. Unfortunately the other two managed to escape. They took the accused to the KWS offices in Meru where Mwambia together with other officers signed the inventory and weighing certificate as did the accused person. He testified that the tusks weighed 22kgs. The chain of custody form was also presented to the court. Next hearing on 20th June, 2024.
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#7. February 15th, 2024 (Hearing): The hearing was before Hon. John M. Njoroge. All the parties to the case were present in court. The accused was not represented by counsel. The ivory exhibits were produced for the court.
KWS witness testimony
The witness stated that he received a call from a fellow officer on an operation that they were to carry out at Kakiruini Street in Meru. They went as planned and on arrival the fellow officer posed as a buyer. One of the suspects was arrested but two got away. The officers unpacked the tusks from a green Manila bag and started the documentation process.
The witness then positively identified the accused as the person they arrested.
Two more prosecution witnesses are expected to testify; the IO and expert witness on the next hearing date of April 30th, 2024.
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SEEJ became aware of this case on August 29th, 2023
#6. October 31st, 2023 (Hearing): DNA
#5. August 10th, 2023 (Hearing): DNA (Did not attend)
#4. June 6th, 2023 (Hearing): DNA
#3. March 16th, 2023 (Mention): DNA
#2. February 22nd, 2023 (Pre-Trial Mention): DNA
#1. February 9th, 2023 (Plea): The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police Officer Arrested with Sh.2.1 million Worth Elephant Tusks to be Charged
A police officer who was arrested over the weekend with elephant tusks worth Sh2.1 million is due to be charged in court.
MERU, Kenya, Jan 30 –
The officer had been arrested in Meru Township while carrying the tusks that he intended to sell to a potential buyer.
Police together with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials were tipped off before they moved in and found him carrying the same.
The officer later led the team to another accomplice in the area in the Saturday morning operation.
The men are expected in court Monday to face charges of possession and trafficking of the tusks………………….
