Today’s Update
#23. June 12th, 2024 (Hearing):The matter was marked as ‘adjourned’, indication being that a hearing did not take place. Matter adjourned for hearing on July 31st. (SEEJ-AFRICA was not. in attendance.)
Case Overview
On 6th of October 2021, around 1600 hrs, at Enasoit area in Ol Jogi conservancy within Laikipia county, David Ndiritu, Jackson Mbugua Mburugu, Daniel Kibe Mboche and Jackson Luso Lesitima, were found in possession and dealing in wildlife trophies namely elephant tusks weighing 69.2 kg.
In February 2024, a Nairobi Anti-Corruption court ordered the restraint of a vehicle and property owned by the second accused, Jackson Mgugua Burugu, who is reportedly a televangelist and businessman from the Nairobi area. The story can be read here.
Presiding Magistrate and Court: Hon. Ben Mararo – Principal Magistrate Court 2 | |
State Counsel: | Advocates for the Accused: |
Accused: 1.David Ndiritu Ndumia 2.Jackson Mgugua Burugu 3.Daniel Kibe Mboche 4.Jacob Lusu Lesitima | |
Charges: 1.Dealing in wildlife trophies of endangered species contrary to section 92 (2) WCMA 2.Possession wildlife trophies of endangered species contrary to section 92(4) WMCA. | |
Date of Arrest: 2021-10-06 | Date of Arraignment: 2021-10-07 |
Location of Arrest: Ol Jogi Conservancy, Laikipia County | Contraband Seized: 69.2 kg (4 tusks) |
Proceedings
#22. April 11th, 2024 (Mention): The court confirmed the next hearing date of June 12th, 2024. (SEEJ-AFRICA was not. in attendance.)
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#21. March 13th, 2024 (Hearing): Today’s scheduled hearing did not take place. While all accused and counsel were present, the prosecution was not ready to proceed. The IO was not in attendance due to an emergency and the expert witness in Kilgoris on a similar case. A mention date of April 11th was set to confirm that the IO’s statement has been supplied and a hearing date set for June 12th.
It was learned this past week that this case is tied to an application in Nairobi Anti-Corruption court to restrain a Mercedes vehicle and Nairobi area property belonging to the second accused, Jackson Mgugua Burugu. See link in case overview below.
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#20. November 29th, 2023 (Mention): All parties present except for the counsel for the first accused for reasons not specified. A hearing date was set for March 13th, 2024.
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#19. November 13th, 2023 (Hearing): The hearing did not occur as this day was declared a national holiday; this announced and gazetted last week. The case has been adjourned to Nov 29th, 2023 for mention. There have been 19 sittings of this matter to date. (This is the first attendance of SEEJ-AFRICA)
