A 64-year old man arrested with a rhino horn worth Sh2.1 million has been charged with dealing in wildlife trophies, contrary to Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013.
Mr Marima Ole Pesi who is represented by a lawyer-Ms Bosibori Ogenga-is accused of dealing in the horn without a permit and also charged with possession of the wildlife trophy contrary to the same Act.
Appearing before the Narok Resident Magistrate Adelide Sisenda he was accused of unlawfully having in possession a rhino horn weighing 1.10kg inside a car, jointly with others who are yet to be arrested.
While reading the charges to the accused prosecutor Tito Wanga told the court that on June 10, midnight, the accused was arrested in a probox vehicle at Ewuaso Ngiro trading center trying to sell the horn.
“He was arrested by KWS law enforcement officers as on their way to the market following a tip off,”
However, Ms Bosibori defended his client saying he is not a flight risk and should be released on bond. He will know his fate on 15 June when Ms Sisenda makes her ruling on bail and bonds.
Ms Bosibori also differed with the Kenya Wildlife officers on the date of arrest of her client saying he was arrested and kept in cells over 24 hours ago against the law.
She opposed the application, saying the affidavit contained baseless allegations meant to stupefy the court into acting on apprehensions.