Two arrested as police recover 51kgs ivory in Trans Nzoia
Emmanuel Wanjala, The Star
March 1, 2024
The 11 pieces of elephant tusks had been concealed in a sack of maize.
The National Police Service said in a statement the suspects, aged 35 and 31, were arrested by officers from Kwanza Police Station.
NPS said the elephant tusks had been stashed in a gunny bag and concealed in maize.
“A motorcycle registration number KMDR 034Q that was used to ferry the tusks has equally been detained as part of the exhibits, as the suspects await arraignment in a Court of Law,” the Service said.
“The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to the multi-agency cooperation and takes this opportunity to thank members of the public for their partnership in policing,” NPS said.
Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013, prohibits the possession of Wildlife Trophies of Endangered Species.
The arrest of the two suspects is the latest in recent days as police heighten crackdown on poaching and illicit ivory trade.
A week ago, three suspects found with four pieces of elephant tusks worth Sh2.7 million were arrested in the Kisiriri area of Narok North.
A month ago, three other suspects were arrested at Kapsokwony market in Elgeyo Marakwet with Elephant tusks worth Sh3.5 million.
Big Life Foundation, a non-profit conservation organization created to preserve wildlife and their ecosystem through community-based and collaborative strategies, said it seized more than 1,000kg of ivory in 2023.
The organisation patrolled 46,107km on foot and 148,052km by vehicle, bringing the total area patrolled to 194,159km across the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro (Greater Amboseli) ecosystem in East Africa.
Executive chairman and founder Richard Bonham said rangers helped rescue dozens of animals and arrest more than 150 suspects engaged in illegal wildlife crimes.
Big Life said 12 suspects were arrested with bush meat while 36 were arrested for being in possession of trophy.
Recovered items included 382.6kg of ivory, 14 snares, three animal skins, 261kg of bush meat, three kilogrammes of Pangolin scales, 1,103 kg of sandalwood and 57 tools and weapons.
On December 7, 2023, two suspected poachers were arrested and six pieces of elephant tusks were recovered in an operation in Maralal, Samburu.
