Read more about the article Kitui – Man Arrested with 0.3 kg of Ivory Pieces
On March 3rd, a 60 year old man was arrested in the Kitui area with 3 tusk pieces weighing approximately .3 kg

Kitui – Man Arrested with 0.3 kg of Ivory Pieces

Man arrested with 3 pieces of elephant tusks in Kituiby Cyrus Ombati, Chief Crime Reporter, The StarPolice are holding a 60-year-old man after he was found in possession of three pieces…

Continue ReadingKitui – Man Arrested with 0.3 kg of Ivory Pieces
Read more about the article Jefwa brothers resurface following years in exile after ivory seizure
On November 15th, 2022, the two Jefwa brothers, on the Interpol Red list relating to the trafficking of 7.7 tonnes of ivory out of Mombasa in 2015, were granted anticipatory bail by Mombasa High Court Judge Ann Ong’injo.

Jefwa brothers resurface following years in exile after ivory seizure

by Brian Ocharo The Nation March 11th, 2023: The Jefwa brothers, who have been on Interpol’s “Red List” for involvement in ivory smuggling,and have been in exile for more than seven…

Continue ReadingJefwa brothers resurface following years in exile after ivory seizure
Read more about the article 13.5 tonnes of Seized Sandalwood Burned
13.5 tonnes of sandalwood at the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations set for burning on February 28th, 2023.

13.5 tonnes of Seized Sandalwood Burned

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: In a ceremony presided over by the Cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Roselinda Soipan Tuya, and attended by the US Ambassador to…

Continue Reading13.5 tonnes of Seized Sandalwood Burned
Read more about the article Rosewood Court Updates – ELC 23/2019 from 640 tonne seizure Mombasa May 2014
Two of the 34 containers of Madagascar Rosewood that was seized at Mombasa port in May 2014.

Rosewood Court Updates – ELC 23/2019 from 640 tonne seizure Mombasa May 2014

The full story to date can be read at: Kenya court orders return of $13 million in seized rosewood to suspected traffickers Blundered Verdict by Kenyan Court Releases Mega Tonne…

Continue ReadingRosewood Court Updates – ELC 23/2019 from 640 tonne seizure Mombasa May 2014
Read more about the article Webuye – Cop, civilian arrested selling 9 kg elephant tusk
On February 13th, 2023, a police officer and one other were arrested in Webuye with one tusk weighing 9 kg. Webuye is located approximately 50 km due south of Mount Elgon National Park.

Webuye – Cop, civilian arrested selling 9 kg elephant tusk

Cop, civilian arrested selling Sh900,000 elephant tusk in Webuye by Cyrus Ombati, Chief Crime Report, The Star February 14th, 2023: A police officer and a civilian were Monday, February 13 arrested…

Continue ReadingWebuye – Cop, civilian arrested selling 9 kg elephant tusk
Read more about the article Process and outcomes of ivory-related trials in Kenya, 2016–2019
Customs officials and police chip away at plaster surrounding 1097 kg of ivory found in hollowed out timber beams seized in Mombasa in December 2016. This was the last major ivory seizure in Kenya and the only major seizure covered in this report. The lone accused, and clearing agent, Ephantus Mare, was acquitted.

Process and outcomes of ivory-related trials in Kenya, 2016–2019

by Andrew Halliday, Shamini Jayanathan, Paula Kahumbu, Jim Karani, Mary Morrison AbstractThis article reviews the process and outcomes of 247 trials, involving 422 persons accused of possession and dealing in…

Continue ReadingProcess and outcomes of ivory-related trials in Kenya, 2016–2019
Read more about the article Nothing to do with wildlife crime yet everything to do with wildlife crime
Top: Chief Inspector Samir Yunus standing in the prisoner dock of Milimani Court on December 7th, 2022 having been charged with sexually assaulting a female police officer 3 years previous (photo courtesy Richard Munguti). Bottom: CF 754/13 in Mombasa court, February 2022, Fredrick Sababu Mungule, Nelson Ayoo and James Kashiwa, acquitted of trafficking 1833 kg of ivory in January 2013 due to integrity issues. (photo courtesy Dihoff)

Nothing to do with wildlife crime yet everything to do with wildlife crime

When Chief Inspector Samir Yunus appeared in the prisoner’s dock of Milimani court, Nairobi, on December 7th, 2022, many would suggest he looked nothing like a senior police officer of…

Continue ReadingNothing to do with wildlife crime yet everything to do with wildlife crime
Read more about the article Nakuru – Woman arrested ferrying 500 kg of sandalwood
A female accused was arrested while driving along the Nakuru-Nyahururu highway in this Toyota Prado. (Mary Kosgei Nation Media)

Nakuru – Woman arrested ferrying 500 kg of sandalwood

The arrest occurred in Bahati sub-county, just north of Nakuru. Woman arrested ferrying sandalwood worth Sh2 million By Mercy Koskei Nation Media October 4th, 2022: Police in Bahati, Nakuru County are holding a…

Continue ReadingNakuru – Woman arrested ferrying 500 kg of sandalwood

Recent acquittal a microcosm of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the courts in wildlife crime prosecutions.

A Review: Criminal Case No. 843/2017 Chief Magistrate's Court, Kwale, Republic vs Hasira Makoti Mwanzala Kwale Law Courts, Court #1 Kwale Law Courts are typical of many through out Kenya;…

Continue ReadingRecent acquittal a microcosm of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the courts in wildlife crime prosecutions.
Read more about the article Not Your Average Ivory Possession Case – 68 year old Italian National Arrested at Mombasa IA –  CF E774/2022 Mombasa
68 year old Paolo Brondi before a Mombasa court on June 22, 2022

Not Your Average Ivory Possession Case – 68 year old Italian National Arrested at Mombasa IA – CF E774/2022 Mombasa

It is a rarity for an ivory arrest to made at Moi International Airport, Mombasa.  The last such recorded case was in November 2014 when two crewman from a docked…

Continue ReadingNot Your Average Ivory Possession Case – 68 year old Italian National Arrested at Mombasa IA – CF E774/2022 Mombasa
Read more about the article Police Operation Seizes Kenya Sandalwood Enroute to Uganda
Serious Crime Unit seized 537 kg of sandalwood on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway that was being shipped from Kitui to the Uganda border.

Police Operation Seizes Kenya Sandalwood Enroute to Uganda

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL:On March 21st, 2022, police seized a Isuzu lorry containing 537 kg of sandalwood heading to the Busia border crossing.The sandalwood had been dispatched from Kitui town, south central…

Continue ReadingPolice Operation Seizes Kenya Sandalwood Enroute to Uganda
Read more about the article Mombasa Court Orders KWS to Provide Permits for Illegal Rosewood Seizure
CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA Document SC66 - 46.2 Page 7

Mombasa Court Orders KWS to Provide Permits for Illegal Rosewood Seizure

May 9th, 2022:  A Mombasa Court has this morning ordered the Kenyan Wildlife Service to procure the necessary documents and permits to enable 646 tonnes of Malagasy rosewood to be…

Continue ReadingMombasa Court Orders KWS to Provide Permits for Illegal Rosewood Seizure
Read more about the article #33. Prosecution Concludes in 2014 Ivory Seizure Case from Singapore
Republic vs. Falah Manzu Yusuf @ Mohamed Faki and 5 others - 1004 kg of ivory seized in crates amidst 200 bags of Uganda coffee

#33. Prosecution Concludes in 2014 Ivory Seizure Case from Singapore

April 8th, 2022: The prosecutions case was concluded today when the last witness testified in an eight year old ivory seizure investigation.  On March 28th, 2014, Singapore authorities verified a sea…

Continue Reading#33. Prosecution Concludes in 2014 Ivory Seizure Case from Singapore
Read more about the article Nine Year Ivory Trafficking Case Ends in Acquittal of Three – Kenya
Fredrick Sababu Mungule, Nelson Ayoo and James Kassiwa were found not guilty in February 2022 for trafficking 1833 kg of ivory to Singapore from Mombasa. Chief Magistrate Francis Kyambia stated that the prosecution had not met the threshold of establishing a prima facie case. Several indicators of a compromised case were evidenced in this trial including threats to lawyers of Wildlife Direct and 'hostile' testimony from the investigating officer.

Nine Year Ivory Trafficking Case Ends in Acquittal of Three – Kenya

The three had been charged for their role in exporting 1833 kg of elephant tusks through Mombasa Port in December 2012. In a March 2021 report, the Head of Kenya’s…

Continue ReadingNine Year Ivory Trafficking Case Ends in Acquittal of Three – Kenya
Read more about the article A Kenyan Case in the “Bringing Down the Dragon” Template
3127 kg of ivory seized in Thailand on April 25th, 2015. Laos was the intended destination.

A Kenyan Case in the “Bringing Down the Dragon” Template

The prosecution of Abdulrahman Mahmoud Sheikh and 8 others is examined against the back drop of Wildlife Justice Commission's "10 crime enabling factors". An Analysis by the Wildlife Justice Commission…

Continue ReadingA Kenyan Case in the “Bringing Down the Dragon” Template
Read more about the article Blundered Verdict by Kenyan Court Releases Mega Tonne Rosewood Seizure Back to Smugglers
Two of the 34 Containers of illegal rosewood seized by Kenya Wildlife Service in 2014

Blundered Verdict by Kenyan Court Releases Mega Tonne Rosewood Seizure Back to Smugglers

CITES says it illegal. An analysis. It does not happen often that a criminal network uses the legal system to retrieve its contraband investment. But that is exactly what occurred…

Continue ReadingBlundered Verdict by Kenyan Court Releases Mega Tonne Rosewood Seizure Back to Smugglers
Read more about the article Kenya court orders return of $13m in seized rosewood to suspected traffickers
Two of the 34 containers of Madagascar Rosewood that was seized at Mombasa port in May 2014.

Kenya court orders return of $13m in seized rosewood to suspected traffickers

In May 2014, Kenya Wildlife Service intelligence led to the seizure of 640 tonnes of illegal Madagascar Rosewood. After a protracted civil court battle in which the original seizure was,…

Continue ReadingKenya court orders return of $13m in seized rosewood to suspected traffickers
Read more about the article Your Rangers Are In The Crosshairs – An Open Letter to Brigadier (Rtd.) John Waweru, Director General Kenya Wildlife Service
The Kenya Wildlife Service Honour Guard as they fire a farewell salute to Warden II Bajila Kofa at his funeral on September 16th. He has assassinated on August 31st, 2021.

Your Rangers Are In The Crosshairs – An Open Letter to Brigadier (Rtd.) John Waweru, Director General Kenya Wildlife Service

KWS Warden II Bajila Obed Kofa KWS Assistant Warden Francis Isaac Awour Oyaro Dear Director,It has been some time since my last letter, almost 2 1/2 years now since you…

Continue ReadingYour Rangers Are In The Crosshairs – An Open Letter to Brigadier (Rtd.) John Waweru, Director General Kenya Wildlife Service
Read more about the article Has a Second Kenya Wildlife Services Officer Been Murdered?
The 'execution' of KWS officer Bajila Kofa near Meru National Polytechnic was a 96 km drive from where KWS Assistant Warden Francis Oyaro was last seen being led away by 'security agents'.

Has a Second Kenya Wildlife Services Officer Been Murdered?

One KWS officer murdered and another 'abducted' 3 days and 95 kilometres apart SEEJ-AFRICA NOTE: The following account is a compilation of open sources on the disappearance of Kenya Wildlife Services…

Continue ReadingHas a Second Kenya Wildlife Services Officer Been Murdered?
Read more about the article Kenya Wildlife Services Officer in Charge of Rhino Security Gunned Down “Gangland Hit” Style
The funeral of KWS commander Bajila Obed Kofa on September 16th, 2021. He was ambushed on August 31st while driving in his personal vehicle through Meru on his way to his duty assignment at Solio Ranch. He had just dropped off his daughter at school.

Kenya Wildlife Services Officer in Charge of Rhino Security Gunned Down “Gangland Hit” Style

Bajila Obed Kofa was responsible for Solio Conservancy security at the time of his murder. It is home to approximately 200 rhino's. KWS officer Bajila Obed Kofa SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL:On August…

Continue ReadingKenya Wildlife Services Officer in Charge of Rhino Security Gunned Down “Gangland Hit” Style
Read more about the article Two Arrested with 15 kg of Elephant Tusks – Migori County
Mabera Area where 2 were arrested with 15 kg of ivory. Mabera is located south of Migori and northwest of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and 10km from the Tanzanian border.

Two Arrested with 15 kg of Elephant Tusks – Migori County

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: The Mara Elephant Project (MEP) reports that on July 26th, 2021, its intelligence unit along with the Kenya Wildlife Service, arrested two men in the Mabera area, approximately 10…

Continue ReadingTwo Arrested with 15 kg of Elephant Tusks – Migori County
Read more about the article Inside dark, impenetrable world of illicit trade in wildlife trophy
"Following the money in the illegal wildlife trade reveals the complicity of any ensuing arrests, prosecutions, and why Kenya has hardly put the so-called illicit wildlife trade ‘kingpins’ behind bars."

Inside dark, impenetrable world of illicit trade in wildlife trophy

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL:Peter Muiruri of The Sunday Standard: "According to our investigations, however, wildlife crimes are among the hardest to prosecute, owing to the multiple layers of participants, with key actors…

Continue ReadingInside dark, impenetrable world of illicit trade in wildlife trophy

Do Recent “Kidnappings” Suggest Unsubstantiated Rhino Poaching Report has Substance

Five recent "kidnappings" in Central Kenya  may confirm anonymous reports of poached rhinos in Kenya.SEEJ-AFRICA has failed to confirm anonymous reports that in recent weeks two rhinos have been poached…

Continue ReadingDo Recent “Kidnappings” Suggest Unsubstantiated Rhino Poaching Report has Substance

Marsabit – Does the recent killing of two elephants in Kalacha signal a new poaching rampage?

SEEJ-AFRICA:Residents are raising concerns over the establishment of a Kenya Defence Forces camp in Kalacha, claiming the camp interferes with  the elephants’ migratory corridor contributing to further human-wildlife conflict.This report…

Continue ReadingMarsabit – Does the recent killing of two elephants in Kalacha signal a new poaching rampage?
Read more about the article More Details Revealed in the “Mombasa – West African Cartel” Ivory Connection
L to R: Abdurahman Mahmoud Sheikh, his half brother, father, and 3 other accused in Mombasa court for April 25th, 2015 Thailand seizure

More Details Revealed in the “Mombasa – West African Cartel” Ivory Connection

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL:Kenya State prosecutors (ODPP) have filed an application with the courts to allow new evidence in the ivory trafficking related trial of Abdulrahman Mahmoud Sheikh and eight others.The application…

Continue ReadingMore Details Revealed in the “Mombasa – West African Cartel” Ivory Connection
Read more about the article Bail Release Unlikely for Four Arrested last September with Ivory
The four were arrested with 95 kg of ivory last September (Photo courtesy Johnson Muriithi Citizen Digital)

Bail Release Unlikely for Four Arrested last September with Ivory

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: May 20th, 2021: Area Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku has set bail for 4 ivory poachers at Sh 1 Million each with a surety of similar amount. Joseph Kungu,…

Continue ReadingBail Release Unlikely for Four Arrested last September with Ivory
Read more about the article Busia – Uganda Military Officer Arrested at Kenya Border Town with 3 Elephant Tusks
Kenya police display 3 tusks seized from a Ugandan military lieutenant in border town of Busia. (courtesy Kenya Broadcasting Corporation)

Busia – Uganda Military Officer Arrested at Kenya Border Town with 3 Elephant Tusks

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: On Friday afternoon, May 7th, 2021, a Ugandan military officer, Kennedy Wabwire, was arrested by police in possession of 3 elephant tusks weighing approximately 30 kg. Wabwire and…

Continue ReadingBusia – Uganda Military Officer Arrested at Kenya Border Town with 3 Elephant Tusks
Read more about the article NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENSUS 2021 | Kenya Wildlife Service
Kenya on May 7, 2021 launched its first ever National Wildlife Census covering both land and Aquatic wildlife. (Photo courtesy CNN and KWS)

NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENSUS 2021 | Kenya Wildlife Service

PRESS RELEASE:Kenya on May 7, 2021 launched its first ever National Wildlife Census covering both land and Aquatic wildlife. The two month exercise is fully funded by the Government of Kenya…

Continue ReadingNATIONAL WILDLIFE CENSUS 2021 | Kenya Wildlife Service
Read more about the article Narok – 3 Suspects Found in Possession of Live Pangolin
Mara Elephant Project, KWS and Olderkesi Rangers transport live pangolin to Narok Court (courtesy Mara Elephant Project)

Narok – 3 Suspects Found in Possession of Live Pangolin

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: On March 12, 2021, KWS rangers, Olderkesi rangers, and Mara Elephant Project combined to arrest 3 men for possession of a live pangolin. The three appeared before Narok…

Continue ReadingNarok – 3 Suspects Found in Possession of Live Pangolin
Read more about the article Government Official and Police Officer Among 3 found with 51 kg of Ivory
7 tusks seized from 3 suspects in Kabernet ares on January 31st, 2021

Government Official and Police Officer Among 3 found with 51 kg of Ivory

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: On January 31st, 2021, a government official, police sergeant and one other were arrested in possession of seven tusks weighing 51 kg. Robinson Chelimo, Sgt. Charles Kandagor (Rift…

Continue ReadingGovernment Official and Police Officer Among 3 found with 51 kg of Ivory
Read more about the article Ksh 1 million fine (USD $10,000) or 5 years in jail for ivory possession duo.
Location of Marimanti Court, Tharaka-Nithi County

Ksh 1 million fine (USD $10,000) or 5 years in jail for ivory possession duo.

By ​Nelson Mboco ​For Citizen DigitalPublished on:  January 20, 2021 07:42 (EAT)  Two men were sentenced to five years imprisonment or a fine of Ksh. 1million each for being in possession of elephant…

Continue ReadingKsh 1 million fine (USD $10,000) or 5 years in jail for ivory possession duo.
Read more about the article Man found with elephants tusks freed on Sh1m bond
Arrest made on the Kehancha-Ntimaru Road in the area of the Tanzanian border and west of Maasai Mara National Reserve

Man found with elephants tusks freed on Sh1m bond

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: On Thursday evening, January 14th, 2021 and acting on intelligence from the Mara Elephant Project, officers of KWS and NPS arrested one of two men on a motorcycle.…

Continue ReadingMan found with elephants tusks freed on Sh1m bond
Read more about the article Six Charged with Possessing 157 kg of Pangolin Scales – Nairobi
6 Arrested/Charged with 5 boxes containing 157 kg of pangolin scales

Six Charged with Possessing 157 kg of Pangolin Scales – Nairobi

Six charged with possessing five boxes of pangolin scalesby Klaus Masika December 30th In Summary • They committed the offence on December 27 at around 01100 hours at a Total petrol station…

Continue ReadingSix Charged with Possessing 157 kg of Pangolin Scales – Nairobi
Read more about the article Kenyan Ivory Trafficker Loses Bid to Block Extradition
Each square represents an ivory seizure. Tanzania is coloured brown and Kenya is directly above. The date, location and size of each seizure is in the bottom left corner. The blue dots represent the origin of the dead elephants (ivory). All lines/arrows represent seizures with genetic/direct matches to other seizures. The four seizures with #1 in top corner are linked through other evidence. “Combating Transnational Organized Crime by Linking Multiple Large Ivory Seizures to the Same Dealer” - Dr. Sam Wasser et al

Kenyan Ivory Trafficker Loses Bid to Block Extradition

Suspected poacher loses attempt to block extradition to US By  Joseph Wangui Court Reporter   Nation Media Group December 19th, 2020 A 60-year-old Kenyan believed to be a poaching kingpin and…

Continue ReadingKenyan Ivory Trafficker Loses Bid to Block Extradition
Read more about the article Man Arrested with 54 kg of Elephant Tusks Near Tanzanian Border
Migori County Police Commander Manase Musyoka (in black coat) displays the Elephant tusks at Migori police station on December 12, 2020. The Ivory weighing 54 kilograms with a street value of Sh5.4 million was seized by police while being smuggled from Narok County to Migori county, 40 years old man was arrested. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Man Arrested with 54 kg of Elephant Tusks Near Tanzanian Border

40-year-old man arrested with elephant tusks worth Ksh.5.4M remanded 40-year-old man arrested with elephant tusks worth Ksh.5.4M remanded Border town, Gwitembe, Kenya; site of arrest By George Juma for Citizen…

Continue ReadingMan Arrested with 54 kg of Elephant Tusks Near Tanzanian Border
Read more about the article Two Nabbed in Eastleigh With Rhino Horns
July 2018: KWS wardens displays the horns of the rhinos that died after being transferred from Nairobi National Park [Beverlyne Musili, Standard]

Two Nabbed in Eastleigh With Rhino Horns

They were being tracked for the last three months. by GILBERT KOECH   The Star   26 September 2020 - 16:49 Two suspects were on Saturday morning arrested at Nairobi’s Eastleigh area…

Continue ReadingTwo Nabbed in Eastleigh With Rhino Horns
Read more about the article Drugs and Trophy Trafficking Couple to Lose Sh1 Billion Worth of Property and Cash
4 Tusks weighing 7 kg found in couple's home

Drugs and Trophy Trafficking Couple to Lose Sh1 Billion Worth of Property and Cash

SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL: On July 12th, 2018, Joseph Wanjohi Muthee and his wife, Jane Wambui Wanjiru were arrested after a search in the Muthaiga area home yielded large quantities of alcohol,…

Continue ReadingDrugs and Trophy Trafficking Couple to Lose Sh1 Billion Worth of Property and Cash
Read more about the article #141. CF 1649/2017 Kibera – Wanted by Interpol
Interpol Red Notice listing for Ahmed Mahabub Gedi aka Ahmed Mohamud Salah

#141. CF 1649/2017 Kibera – Wanted by Interpol

Ahmed Mohamud Salah aka Ahmed Mahubub Gedi is the seventh accused in this case (1649/2017 Kibera).  He was arrested 3-4 days after the initial six accused while trying to cross…

Continue Reading#141. CF 1649/2017 Kibera – Wanted by Interpol