The two were convicted after being found in possession of nine pieces of elephant tusks weighing 5.8 kilogrammes and valued at Sh580,000, along with a leopard skin and a cheetah skin hidden in a white-and-yellow sack.

Two men in Malindi have been sentenced to pay fines of Sh20 million each, or serve life imprisonment in default, after being convicted of unlawfully possessing elephant tusks, leopard and cheetah skins.

Senior Principal Magistrate Joy Shiundu Wesonga convicted Nzai Kazungu Nzai and Nzai Ruwa Kapombe of possessing endangered wildlife trophies without a permit or lawful exemption, contrary to Section 92(4) as read with Section 105 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.

The court heard that on January 17, 2025, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers intercepted a motorcycle, registration number KMFP 849U, at a Shell petrol station near Naivas Supermarket in Malindi.