One suspect arrested after seizure of 84kgs of Ivory in Kibwezi

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Serious Crime Unit in collaboration with officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have apprehended a suspect in connection with the illegal trade of endangered wildlife trophies.

The operation, which took place in the Kambu area of Kibwezi sub-county, resulted in the recovery of approximately 84 kilograms of ivory.

According to DCI, the 57-year-old suspect was apprehended after officers acting on intelligence conducted an ambush.

During the operation, three other individuals, who were with the suspect, managed to escape, leaving behind the seized ivory.

DCI noted that the suspect was arraigned before the JKIA Law Courts, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of dealing in endangered wildlife species, among other charges.

The case is set for mention on August 26, 2024.

As the manhunt for the escaped accomplices continues, the DCI has vowed to use all available resources to ensure that those involved are apprehended and brought to justice.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations will not spare any resources till all are arrested and arraigned,” DCI said.

According to the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013, any person found in possession of a wildlife trophy risks a fine of at least Sh1 million.

“Any person who keeps or is found in possession of a wildlife trophy or deals in a wildlife trophy, or manufactures any item from a trophy without a permit issued under this Act or exempted in accordance with any other provision of this Act, commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine of not less than one million shillings or imprisonment for a term of not less than five years or to both such imprisonment and fine,” reads the Act.