Three Arrested in Nairobi East with 55 kg of Ivory
SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL:
- On January 14th, 2020, at approximately 16:30hr, investigators of the Kenya Wildlife Service while acting on a tip, stopped a Mazda vehicle travelling on Nariobi’s Eastern Bypass.
- The vehicle was searched and 28 pieces of cut ivory tusks were found in sisal bags.
- The two occupants were arrested and charged.
- A third accomplice, Daniel Muya, was arrested on February 19th and charged accordingly.
- The first accused, Thomas Muhoro Ngatia, had been previously arrested in March 2016 and found with 112 kg of ivory.
- Investigators at the time stated that Ngatia was linked to an ivory cartel. That case is still before the Kibera courts.
| FILE | 74/2020 |
|---|---|
| SEIZURE DATE | January 14th, 2020 |
| CONTRABAND SEIZED AND CIRCUMSTANCES | 55 kg of ivory in 28 pieces |
| LOCATION | Eastern Bypass, Nairobi |
| POINT OF ORIGIN | Unknown |
| ACCUSED | Thomas Muhoro Ngatia, Joel Kariuki Njeru, Daniel Wachira Muya |
| CHARGED | Possession and Dealing with Wildlife Trophies |
| COURT | Kibera |
| VALUE (CHARGE SHEET) | Ksh 5.5 Million |
| OTHER CONTRABAND | Not Applicable |
| TRANSPORT | Mazda Reg: KUU 955 |
| ARRESTING AGENCY | KWS |
| INTEL_PERSONS OF INTEREST | Thomas Muroro Ngatia had been arrested previously in March 22, 2016 and found with 112 kg of ivory in his home. The home had previously rented by Fredrick James Muchina, known to be involved in the ivory and rhino horn trade. Muchina was shot to death in an ambush in January 2016. |
COURT PROGRESS:
May 28th, 2021: Set for hearing, it was found that the IO (Investigating Officer) had been transferred and was unavailable. Adjourned to September 30th for hearing:
September 30th, 2021:
CHARGE SHEETS
