A Multi-agency security team led by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers have arrested two suspects found with elephant tusks worth Sh1.2 million in Machakos Town.
The suspects were intercepted in Machakos Town while allegedly ferrying 12 kilogrammes of ivory on a motorcycle. The tusks had been wrapped in foil paper and concealed.
Machakos Sub-County KWS Warden Ismael Kiprop, said the operation followed a month-long surveillance mission tracking the trafficking ring.
“The capture was through a multi-agency security operation. We have been tracking the suspects for a month,” Kiprop said.
He said preliminary findings point to the ivory having been sourced outside Machakos County, with investigations underway to establish where the elephants were poached.
“We suspect the elephants are from somewhere else and not in Machakos, though we are still carrying out investigations,” he said.
Kiprop noted that cases of illegal wildlife trafficking have been on the rise in the area, with 11 cases reported in the past month, while five other suspects have been arrested in connection with elephant tusks.
He cautioned residents to be vigilant when buying meat, warning that increased demand risks fuelling poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
The two will be arraigned will be arraigned in court to answer charges of possession and transportation of wildlife trophies.
by Anne Kangero
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