By Dorothy Musyoka
In a significant victory for wildlife conservation, a multi-agency operation involving detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Serious Crime Unit and officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has led to the arrest of a key suspect in the illegal wildlife trade.
The operation, which took place in the Kambu area of Kibwezi sub-county, resulted in the recovery of approximately 84 kilograms of ivory, a substantial blow to the illicit trade of endangered species.
“A multi agency team comprising of DCI Serious Crime Unit detectives and officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service have registered a major breakthrough in the fight againist sale of endangered wildlife trophies following the arrest of an individual at Kambu area in Kibwezi sub county and recovery of Ivory weighing approximately 84 kilogrames,” noted the DCI.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sila Maweu, was apprehended during the ambush, while three of his accomplices managed to flee the scene.
“57 years old Sila Maweu and his three accomplices who managed to escape were ambushed by the officers who were acting on intelligence forcing the three hoodlums to run away leaving behind the suspect and animal trophies,” the DCI indicated.
Acting on precise intelligence, the officers conducted the operation that cornered the culprits, who were forced to abandon the valuable wildlife trophies as they fled.
Maweu was subsequently arraigned before the JKIA Law Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of dealing in endangered wildlife species, along with other related charges.
His case is set for mention on August 26, 2024, as authorities intensify efforts to track down his accomplices.
The DCI has vowed to utilize all available resources to ensure that the remaining suspects are apprehended and brought to justice.
This successful operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage and curbing the illegal trade that threatens the survival of endangered species.