Tragedy as suspected tusk trafficker shot dead in scuffle in Nyeri
by Cyrus Ombati The Star
May 18th, 2026
There was drama and tragedy when a suspected elephant tusk trafficker was shot dead during an undercover operation by officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service in Nyeri County.
According to police, the incident occurred at Babito area within Kieni West Subcounty during a covert operation involving Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers from the Aberdare National Park headquarters.
The officers were at the weekend acting on intelligence that a suspect was in possession of two elephant tusks believed to be intended for illegal sale.
Investigators said the officers posed as buyers and arranged a meeting with the suspect, who arrived carrying the tusks.
One of the rangers reportedly acted as the buyer while the other officers monitored the operation from a distance.
During the encounter, the suspect allegedly noticed the ranger’s Jericho pistol and attempted to grab it, triggering a struggle between the two. Police said two rounds from the 9mm firearm were discharged during the confrontation, fatally injuring the suspect after he was shot in the head.
The man died at the scene.
Authorities recovered the two elephant tusks as exhibits, while the body was moved to the Nyeri County Referral Hospital mortuary pending identification and a postmortem examination.
The incident is under investigation.
Police were called to the scene and declared an investigation was ongoing.
They termed the shooting tragic saying they wanted the suspect to face justice………(inaccurate and redundant AI filler)
SEEJ-AFRICA Note: The victim has not been identified.
