GARISSA, Kenya — Six suspects have been arrested following a late-night, intelligence-led operation by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) that uncovered an alleged armed poaching syndicate along the Garissa–Daadab road.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the operation was executed at Alango Arba (Hagarbul) in Fafi Sub-County after officers received credible intelligence about a vehicle transporting armed individuals and illegal wildlife products.
KWS officers mounted an ambush under the cover of darkness and intercepted a white Suzuki Alto, registration number KDC 529C, carrying six occupants who were reportedly unaware of the operation.
Police identified the suspects as Ali Idow Yussuf (66), Fuad Hussein Mukhtar (30), Mahat Diriye Hussein (34), Hassan Jehow Diriye (56), Idle Farah Dagane (52), and Hussein Ibrahim Abdulrahman (45).
Authorities said Yussuf was found armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, with an additional magazine containing 30 rounds recovered from a jungle pouch. He was reportedly dressed in combat-style gear and claimed to be a National Police Reservist based in Gadude.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 200 kilogrammes of suspected giraffe meat, along with a giraffe head carcass, in what officials described as a stark indication of ongoing illegal wildlife hunting in the region. The consignment is estimated to be worth Sh200,000.
Officers also recovered seven mobile phones believed to have been used in coordinating the suspected poaching activities.
The suspects were initially detained at Garissa Police Station before being transferred to KWS headquarters in Nairobi, where they are expected to be arraigned in court.
The firearm and ammunition have been secured as exhibits at the KWS Garissa Station.
The incident underscores persistent challenges in combating wildlife crime in northern Kenya, where vast terrain and porous borders often complicate enforcement efforts.
Under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, illegal hunting and possession of wildlife trophies are criminal offences that attract severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
KWS said the operation demonstrates its continued vigilance and commitment to protecting Kenya’s wildlife heritage, warning that enforcement efforts will remain relentless against individuals involved in poaching and trafficking.
Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as investigations continue.
