MACHAKOS, Kenya – Two people have been arrested in Machakos County after they were allegedly found transporting elephant tusks weighing 12 kilogrammes and valued at Sh1.2 million.
The suspects were intercepted while allegedly transporting the ivory on a motorcycle during a multi-agency operation, according to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Machakos County officer-in-charge Ismael Kiprop.
Kiprop said authorities suspect the ivory was being transported for delivery to an undisclosed destination within Machakos.
He warned members of the public against engaging in the illegal wildlife trade, saying those arrested would face prosecution.
Machakos Emerges As Wildlife Trafficking Hotspot
Kiprop said at least 10 suspects have been arrested in Machakos over wildlife-related offences in the past one-and-a-half months.
Eight of those arrested were allegedly linked to wildlife trophy trafficking, while two others were found in possession of bushmeat.
He said the arrests were part of intensified efforts by security and wildlife authorities to curb the illegal trade in wildlife products.
A previous operation also resulted in the recovery of 13 kilogrammes of wildlife trophies valued at approximately Sh1.3 million.
Suspects Await Court Appearance
The latest suspects are being held at Machakos Police Station pending their arraignment at the Machakos Law Courts.
Kiprop urged residents to report suspected wildlife trafficking activities and warned that individuals involved in the illegal possession or transportation of wildlife trophies would be prosecuted.
