Final Court Update
#4. November 14th, 2023 (Ruling – Sentencing): With the accused, Zheng Jian Ghai, having already pleaded guilty, Senior Resident Magistrate Renee Kitagwa, sentenced him on the charge of Possession of Wildlife Trophies to a KES 3 million (USD $20,000) fine or in default 7 years imprisonment. He was to be deported on the conclusion of his sentence. The accused had family present in the court as well as a representative from the Chinese embassy. The fine had been paid by the end of the day.
There was some question as to the abilities of his counsel when he requested to present arguments of mitigation after the sentence had been pronounced. The Honourable Kitagwa clarified for him that the sentence was now official.
Case Overview
On the October 18th, 2023, around noon, the JKIA based KWS detection teams managed to arrest one suspect, Zhen Jian Ghai, a Chinese National.
He was in possession of three pieces of worked, carved ivory weighing 0.6kg. He was flying from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to China via China Southern Airlines. He was booked at JKIA police station and arraigned the following day.
Presiding Magistrate and Court: Hon. Renee Kitagwa – Senior Resident Magistrate Court 2 | |
State Counsel: | Advocates for the Accused: Ochieng |
Accused: Zheng Jian Ghai | |
Charges:
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Date of Arrest: 2023-10-18 | Date of Arraignment: 2023-10-19 |
Location of Arrest: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport | Contraband Seized: .6 kg (3 pieces worked ivory) |
Proceedings
#3. November 6th, 2023 (Ruling):Today was set for a ruling in regards to the previous guilty plea. A question was raised by the court over the accused’s representation so the matter was adjourned. The new ruling date was set for November 14th.
KWS had attended court with the exhibits (suitcases and ivory).
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#2. November 2nd, 2023 (Mention): This matter came up for mention before Senior Resident Magistrate R. Kitagwa. The accused person was present together with his counsel, Mr. Ochieng, and the prosecution was ready to proceed. The Investigating officer was not present. The case is adjourned to November 6th, 2023.
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#1. October 19th, 2023 (Plea): The accused was arraigned in court. Initial report indicated that he had pleaded guilty.
