SEEJ-AFRICA:
The estimated value quoted in the below article, ksh 2.9 million (USD $22,000) is low and the amount KWS normally attributes to elephant ivory.
The last known poached rhino incident in Kenya was in December 2023 where a rhino was killed in Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West National Park.
Five persons were later charged in relation to killing the rhino and trafficking the two horns weighing 3.3 kg. The matter is still ongoing at Kahawa law courts.
WILDLIFE TRAFFICKERS BUSTED, RHINO HORN WORTH SH2.9 MILLION SEIZED
from @DCI_Kenya
Detectives and police officers from the Homabay Police Station, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service officers from Ruma National Park, successfully apprehended three wildlife traffickers and seized a rhino horn valued at approximately Sh2.9 million.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the team zeroed in on three individuals at Rodi Market in Homabay Sub-County, who were found in possession of this precious and illegal treasure.
The suspects, Benard Omondi Sunga, a service member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), along with accomplices George Oloo and Argwings Watta, were caught red-handed in a black Kluger, registration number KBM 463G.
A meticulous search revealed a 2.9kgs rhino horn concealed inside. The trio has been arraigned today to face the charges.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains steadfast in its mission, partnering with stakeholders in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
KDF sergeant busted with endangered rhino horn
Wednesday, January 01, 2025
By George Odiwuor The Nation
Police in Homa Bay have detained three people, including a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) sergeant, found in possession of a rhino horn valued at Sh2.9 million.
Preliminary investigations have established that the KDF sergeant is based at Ngong camp in Nairobi region.
The horn that the trio had weighs 2.9 kilogrammes. It’s not clear where the animal part was being taken to. Homa Bay County Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) commander Mr Peter Kimulwo said the suspects were arrested Tuesday evening at a hotel in Rodi Kopany Trading Centre, on the outskirts of Homa Bay Town.
“Security officers relied on a tip off they got from concerned members of the public. An operation was planned and the suspects were arrested,” he said.
According to Mr Kimulwo, a team of DCI officers teamed up with other security officers from different units to execute the arrest.
Besides the DCI, the multi-agency operation comprised officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and other regular police officers.
During the arrest, police also recovered a private vehicle, a black Toyota Kluger, which the suspects used to transport the rhino horn.
“They were locked at Homa Bay Police Station where they will be interrogated,” Mr Kimulwo said.
Investigators suspect the trio got the rhino horn from Ruma National Park.
Mr Kimulwo said his officers are still pursuing other suspects linked to a syndicate of poachers operating in Ruma National Park.
georgeodiwuor04@gmail.com
