Four arrested for poaching Dik-diks in Wajir using blinding torch tactic
KWS warden Jamaal Abdirashid praised the residents of Wajir South, who live near the refugee camps, for their cooperation, commitment to conservation, and peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
Four suspects found with three Dik-dik carcasses were arrested on Monday in Dasheg Location, Wajir East Sub-County.
According to Wajir Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) warden Jamaal Abdirashid, the suspects were using a poaching method known as "lamping," which involves shining powerful torches to temporarily blind the animals at night before killing them with clubs (rungu) and pangas.
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He explained that the bright lights impair the animals’ vision and mobility, giving the poachers a chance to move in and strike.
"Officers using an unmarked KWS car visited the area of work and found the carcasses dried in the sun adjacent to the construction site, and we immediately arrested," he told The Eastleigh Voice.
The warden said the suspects, who have confessed to the crime, will be arraigned in Wajir on Tuesday.
He thanked members of the public for their continued support in providing information on poaching, noting that this cooperation has led to a significant decline in poaching activities across the county.
"We are impressed to say almost 95 per cent of the Wajir residents are supportive of protecting wildlife, due to public awareness and intensified patrols.
Jamaal specifically praised the residents of Wajir South, who live near the refugee camps, for their cooperation, commitment to conservation, and peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, continue protecting wildlife, and report any suspicious individuals suspected of involvement in poaching or the illegal sale of game meat in and around the camps.
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