EMBU, Kenya – Three suspected wildlife traffickers were arrested in Embu County after being found in possession of six elephant tusks, in what authorities say is a significant blow to the illegal ivory trade.
The suspects—Michael Kariuki Kithaka (44), Morris Kariuki Njuki (45), and Margaret Syombua Mutua (46)—were intercepted by a joint team of detectives from Mbeere South and officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) at the Siakago-Kiritiri Junction.
The ivory, weighing a total of 48 kilograms, was being ferried in two gunny bags.
Police say the trio had no permits and are facing charges related to the possession and trade of wildlife trophies, which is prohibited under Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.
WILDLIFE TRAFFICKERS ARRESTED, GAME TROPHIES SEIZEDA joint team of law enforcement officers drawn from Mbeere South based detectives and Kenya Wildlife Service officers has arrested three wildlife traffickers and recovered six elephant tusks.The traffickers, Michael Kariuki
The tusks are believed to have been sourced from illegally killed elephants, an endangered species under both national and international law.
The suspects were arraigned before the Siakago Law Courts on Wednesday, where they denied the charges.
They will remain in remand until June 11, 2025, as the court awaits a pre-bail report.
Investigations into the origin and intended destination of the ivory are ongoing.
Kenya remains a critical transit hub for ivory trafficking, despite a government-led crackdown that has seen tighter laws and enhanced surveillance in wildlife zones and transport corridors.
The illegal ivory trade is driven by black market demand, especially in parts of Asia, where tusks are valued for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Possession of wildlife trophies without a permit carries stiff penalties in Kenya, including a fine of up to Sh20 million or life imprisonment upon conviction.
Authorities say they will intensify surveillance in the region to root out trafficking networks that continue to exploit loopholes to smuggle wildlife products.
