Final Court Update
#27. July 2nd, 2024 (Mention): This file has been concluded, labeled terminated as the accused is deceased.
Case Overview
On March 4th , 2022 at new market area in Taita Taveta Township, the accused was found in possession of endangered wildlife trophy namely pangolin scales weighing 5 kg and 2 elephant tusk pieces weighing 4 kg.
Presiding Magistrate and Court: Hon. Gideon Kiage Oenga – Principal Magistrate Court 2 | |
State Counsel: | Advocates for the Accused: |
Accused: Kari Buya Barissa | |
Charges: 1. Two counts of being in possession of endangered Wildlife species contrary to section 92(4) as read with section 105 (1) (b) | |
Date of Arrest: 2022-03-04 | Date of Arraignment: 2022-03-07 |
Location of Arrest: Taveta Town new market | Contraband Seized: 4 kg (2 pcs) + Pangolin scales 5 kg |
DCI recover wildlife trophies worth over Sh5 million
Clip source: DCI recover wildlife trophies worth over Sh5 million
04 March 2022 – 23:20
Bakari Barisa was arrested during the operation. Image: DCI
The sleuths on Friday recovered wildlife trophies worth over Sh5 million in Taita Taveta County.
According to the police, the suspect identified as Bakari Barisa was arrested during the operation.
The DCI said that the intelligence operation that was conducted by a joint team of Serious Crimes detectives and their counterparts from the elite Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau, the 40-year-old man was seized in Taveta township.
The suspect was trading in pangolin scales worth Sh5 million, and elephant tusks with a street value of Sh400,000.
Posing as well-oiled unscrupulous businessmen who rule the underworld, the sleuths led the man to his waterloo before pouncing on him.
The Pangolin scales which fetch a fortune in the black market are used for spiritual protection and financial rituals, making the mammal one of the most trafficked in the world.
The suspect has since been whisked to our headquarters where he is being grilled before arraignment.
Proceedings
#28. June 24th, 2024 (Mention): The court set a mention date of July 2nd, 2024.
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#27. June 10th, 2024 (Defence Hearing): The court set a mention date of June 24th, 2024.
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#26. March 8th, 2024 (Ruling): Hon. Gideon Kiage today ruled that the prosecution had provided the evidence required to cause the accused to be put on his defence. Mr. Chacha, appearing virtually with the accused, advised the court that his client would provide a sworn statement and requested enough time to allow him to meet up with the accused person to discuss. Defence hearing date set for June 10th.
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#25. February 16th, 2024 (Ruling): Ruling date adjourned to March 8th. (SEEJ-AFRICA not in attendance)
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#24. January 23rd, 2024 (Mention): Did not attend. A ruling date to decide whether there is a case to answer for the accused has been set for February 16th.
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#23. January 16th, 2024 (Mention): The matter was adjourned at request of Defence Counsel who was not present but had a representative holding brief. The accused was present virtually. Confirmation to submissions is slated on the January 23rd, 2024.
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#22. December 20th, 2023 (Mention): Adjourned for mention to January 16th.
