By Dorothy Musyoka
Six men were apprehended for their roles in a significant wildlife trafficking scheme, showcasing the remarkable impact of community vigilance and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
Following a multi-agency collaboration, two elephant tusks of an estimated street value of Ksh.5 million on the black market were seized along with four live terrapins were seized.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation the suspected wildlife traffickers are set to be arraigned on Monday.
“Six suspected wildlife traffickers are to be arraigned on Monday following a multi-agency operation comprising officers from DCI HQS, Serious Crimes Unit, rangers from KWS Hqs and Kaloleni DCI officers that saw their arrest and seizure of two pieces of elephant tusks estimated at a street value of Sh5 million and four live terrapins,” said the DCI.
The six; Makutano Kadenge Katana, William Manyaso Ngala, Suleiman Madengo Saha, Kazungu Samuel Kenga, Omar Nyae Kirongo and Rashid Kombo Mazua were arrested at Kaloleni Shopping Center after a tip-off from vigilant citizens that there were suspected wildlife traffickers in the said area.
The suspects were swiftly escorted to Mariakani Police Station, where they awaited transfer to Nairobi for further processing and eventual arraignment.
“The suspects were escorted to Mariakani Police Station awaiting transfer to Nairobi for further processing and arraignment,” noted the DCI.
This successful operation further emphasizes the significance of community vigilance and collaboration in the battle against wildlife trafficking.
It also reaffirms our joint dedication to safeguarding our invaluable wildlife and ensuring that individuals who pose a threat to it are brought to justice.