The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of wildlife traffickers after the seizure of elephant tusks, whose value is estimated at Ksh5 million.
The investigation agency said six suspects were arrested following a joint operation by officers from different law-keeping bodies. The arrested will be arraigned in court on Monday, June 10, 2024.
“Six suspected wildlife traffickers are to be arraigned on Monday following a multi-agency operation comprising officers from DCI headquarters, Serious Crimes Unit, rangers from KWS headquarters, and Kaloleni DCI officers that saw their arrest and seizure of two pieces of elephant tusks estimated at a street value of Sh5 million and four live terrapins,” DCI said in a statement on X.
According to DCI, the arrest was successful following a tip-off from members of the public.
“The six; Makutano Kadenge Katana, William Manyaso Ngala, Suleiman Madengo Saha, Kazungu Samuel Kenga, Omar Nyae Kirongo, and Rashid Kombo Mazua were arrested at Kaloleni Shopping Center after a tip-off from vigilant citizens that there were suspected wildlife traffickers in the said area,” the statement added.
The Kiambu Road-based agency lauded the public, saying they play a critical role in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
“The suspects were escorted to Mariakani Police Station, awaiting transfer to Nairobi for further processing and arraignment. This successful operation underscores the power of community vigilance and cooperation in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
“It is also a testament to our collective commitment to preserving our precious wildlife and holding those who threaten it accountable,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the arrest of the six comes days after police in Daadab’s Dagahaley area in Garissa County said they are pursuing four men who wrestled a giraffe before killing it for game meat.
After receiving the information from residents, police officers arrived at the scene and found a car overloaded with the animal. The hunters were not arrested, as they ran after seeing a police car arrive at the place where they were.
The vehicle was towed to the police station.
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