Law enforcement officers have apprehended a suspect and recovered stolen wildlife trophies in Kibwezi Sub-County as the war on wildlife trafficking intensifies.
The operation was carried out by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Serious Crime Unit in collaboration with officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The raid, which took place in the Kambu area, led to the arrest of 57-year-old Sila Maweu, who was found in possession of ivory weighing approximately 84 kilograms. Maweu’s three accomplices managed to escape during the operation, leaving behind the illegal trophies as they fled from the scene.
“A multi-agency team comprising of DCI Serious Crime Unit detectives and officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service have registered a breakthrough in the fight against the sale of endangered wildlife trophies following the arrest of an individual at Kambu area in Kibwezi sub-county and recovery of ivory weighing approximately 84 kilograms,” the statement read.
Maweu has since been arraigned before the JKIA Law Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of dealing in endangered wildlife species, among other charges. The court has set the matter for mention on August 26, 2024.
As the search for the escaped suspects continues, the DCI has vowed to exhaust all available resources to ensure their capture and prosecution.
“Maweu was arraigned before the JKIA law court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of dealing in endangered wildlife species among other charges. The matter is slated for mention on August 26, 2024,” the authorities said.
Adding;
“As the search for the escaped individuals continues, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations will not spare any resources till all are arrested and arraigned.”
