By Grace Gilo
Two Burundian men, Gakiza Sulemani and Nkunubumwe Celecius, were charged today in a Mombasa court with illegal possession and trade of wildlife trophies, violating Kenya’s wildlife conservation laws.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the duo appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. David Odhiambo, facing charges related to 27 pieces of elephant tusks, which are classified as trophies from endangered species.
The tusks, weighing approximately 62.85 kilograms, have an estimated value of Ksh. 12,570,000.
“The court heard that the accused were apprehended on August 3, 2025, at around 3:00 PM in the Miritini area of Mombasa County, following an intelligence-led operation by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers,” stated the ODPP.
The suspects were reportedly in the area seeking potential buyers for the illicit wildlife products.
In addition to the trafficking charges, Sulemani and Celecius face another charge of possessing wildlife trophies from an endangered species without the necessary permit, in violation of Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 (as amended).
“Both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. Principal Prosecution Counsel Barbara Sombo urged the court to impose strict bond terms to ensure the accused remains available throughout the trial,” the ODPP revealed.
Further, the prosecution requested that sureties provide firm guarantees of the accused’s attendance in court.
Magistrate Odhiambo granted each accused a bond of Ksh. 4 million, with one surety and directed them to surrender their passports. They were also instructed to provide two Kenyan contacts as part of the bond conditions.
The case is scheduled for mention on August 20, 2025.
“This prosecution highlights Kenya’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade in wildlife products, particularly elephant ivory, which remains a major driver of poaching across the region,” ODPP reiterated.