NAIROBI, Kenya – Three suspected wildlife traffickers have been arrested in Lokichar, Turkana County, after authorities recovered 42 kilogrammes of elephant ivory alongside leopard and python skins in a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The suspects were apprehended by a joint covert intelligence team from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which also seized a motorcycle believed to have been used to transport the illegal wildlife trophies.
KWS said the operation underscores its continued crackdown on wildlife trafficking networks and its commitment to protecting endangered species across the country.
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court,” the agency said, noting that investigations are ongoing to establish whether the trio is linked to a wider poaching syndicate operating in northern Kenya.
𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐒 A KWS joint covert intelligence team arrested three suspects in Lokichar, Turkana County, in possession of 42 kg of elephant ivory, as well as leopard and python skins, and recovered a
Elephant ivory and skins from protected species such as leopards and pythons are classified as wildlife trophies under Kenyan law, with offenders facing heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences upon conviction.
KWS warned that poaching and illegal wildlife trade pose a serious threat to Kenya’s biodiversity, ecosystems and tourism-dependent livelihoods.
“A live animal is worth far more than any trophy,” the agency said, adding that wildlife conservation remains critical to sustaining ecosystems and supporting communities for generations to come.
Kenya has stepped up intelligence-driven operations in recent years as part of broader efforts to dismantle trafficking routes and curb demand for illegal wildlife products both locally and internationally.
