SEEJ-AFRICA THUMBNAIL:
- On February 22nd, 2023, both accused were sentenced to terms of imprisonment; Charles Mweni to 4 years jail and Tabitha Mueni to a 7 year sentence. Both were also fined 3 million shillings (USD$23,000) or in default, serve 5 years imprisonment, sentences to run concurrent.
- December 12th, 2019, investigators of the Kenya Wildlife Service and detectives of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested a male and female with elephant tusks in Samburu village, Kwale County.
- Samburu village is located approximately 50 kms northwest of Mombasa and on the periphery of Tsavo National Park.
- Charles Mweni, 32, and Tabitha Mueni 43, were found with 73 kg of ivory comprised of 10 tusk pieces.
Court Updates
Hon. Nelly C. Adalo Senior Resident Magistrate Court 2
State Counsel: Jethron Okumu
ACCUSED:
- Accused #1: Charles Mweni 38 yrs
- Accused #2: Tabitha Mueni 52 yrs
CHARGED: Count 1: Dealing with wildlife trophy of an endangered species without a permit or other lawful exemption contrary to Section 92(2) of the WMCA 2013.
Count 2: Being in possession of a trophy of endangered wildlife species without a permit or other lawful exemption contrary to Section 92(4) of the WMCA 2013.
July 21st, 2022 (Hearing): Unknown
May 23rd, 2022 (Hearing): Two KWS officers testified, Jacklyne Mayio and Faiz Bakari. They testified that they had received intelligence that someone in the Samburu area wanted to sell ivory. They proceeded to Samburu in 2 teams, one team as buyers and the other as back up arresting teams. Around Mwangea, primary 2 suspects emerged from tthe bush each carrying a sack. The first suspect went back to the bush bringing back another sack.
February 23rd, 2022 (Hearing):
This case has been delayed almost 2 years as the first accused, Charles Mweni, had absconded.
The court heard one witness, KWS officer, Julie Adhimbo, who told the court that the suspects had been arrested in the area of Mwangea primary school after they tried to sell 73 kg of ivory to undercover KWS officers.
| FILE | CF 895/2019 Mariakani |
|---|---|
| SEIZURE DATE | December 12th, 2019 |
| CONTRABAND SEIZED AND CIRCUMSTANCES | The two accused were arrested while attempting to sell 10 ivory tusk pieces weighing 73 kg to undercover operatives of the Kenya Wildlife Service. |
| LOCATION | Samburu Village, Kwale County |
| POINT OF ORIGIN | Unknown - suggested as from Tsavo elephants |
| ACCUSED | Charles Mweni and Tabitha Mueni |
| CHARGED | Dealing and Possession of Wildlife Trophies |
| COURT | Mariakani - Court 2 |
| VALUE (CHARGE SHEET) | ksh 73 million |
| OTHER CONTRABAND | Not Applicable |
| TRANSPORT | Not Applicable |
| ARRESTING AGENCY | DCI and KWS |
| INTEL_PERSONS OF INTEREST | Not Applicable |
Kenyan policemen arrest suspects with 73kg of ivory
